Green Friday: A Sustainable Holiday Tradition 🎄🦌
On November 24th, “Black Friday” marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season with massive discounts at in-person and online stores. Many people meticulously plan their shopping lists to snag the best deals and get a head start on Christmas gifts. While the intention to spoil loved ones (or oneself) is sweet, Black Friday often fuels overconsumption and perpetuates a cycle of materialism.
This year, let's consider a greener alternative: Green Friday. Here, the focus shifts to second hand purchases and thrifting. You can still find fantastic deals, all while supporting a circular economy. This not only minimises waste and the environmental impact of fast fashion, but also encourages mindful spending.
Here is a list of alternatives to try out this year:
Second hand Stores: For my fellow Belgians, dive into the hidden treasures at de kringloopwinkel, Oxfam Wereldwinkel, Les Petits Riens, Terre boutiques, or the Red Cross vestiboutiques. You'll be surprised by the high-quality items available at a fraction of the price (all year round).
Online: Explore websites like 2dehands.be, ecoshop.be, geefweg.be (free stuff!), Facebook Marketplace, and apps like Vinted for unique finds at great prices. You can always google local flea markets and clothing swaps as well.
DIY Gifts and Holiday Decor: Channel your creativity by crafting a personalized card or gift for a loved one. Put on your favourite Christmas movie in the background, and let the inspiration flow! Even better, host a DIY party with friends and create your own holiday decorations together: you could try making airdry clay ornaments or Christmas-themed figurines, dry oranges and add bows to make a garland, or make a DIY Christmas wreath with leftover fabric you can turn into cute pompoms.
Here are the links in case you want to try these crafts at home:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1067142074198540000/ 25 clay ornaments to make
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/294915475615437400/ more DIY christmas tree ornaments
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/774124930121317/ little bear figurines
https://simplybeyondherbs.com/orange-garland/ garland of dried oranges
https://es.pinterest.com/pin/540220917794778663/ wreath pompoms
https://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/diy-christmas-pom-pom-wreath/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=506727800_18203554_15058 another fun pompom wreath
Giving & Decluttering: Don't forget – you can contribute to the cycle by donating your own used clothes and items to these shops. Put on some Chrismtas themed tunes and declutter your home with festive cheer. You could even donate to a good cause if you’re feeling extra generous.
Finding Your Green Friday Treasures:
Seeking inspiration? Here are some handy links:
Brussels & Wallonia: Interactive map of flea markets and thrift stores ("friperies"): https://www.rtbf.be/article/carte-interactive-ou-puis-je-trouver-des-friperies-en-wallonie-et-a-bruxelles-11094547
Let's break the mold and embrace Green Friday for a more sustainable holiday season and make this our new yearly tradition 🎄🦌❄️
