Black Friday has become synonymous with massive shopping discounts, yet the hidden cost of this retail frenzy extends far beyond consumer savings. Each year, on the last Friday of November, retailers around the globe ramp up promotions as the Christmas shopping season kicks off, resulting in billions in profits as they clear out stock.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Environmental Impact of Consumerism
While the excitement of Black Friday can elevate serotonin levels as shoppers indulge in sales, the environmental ramifications are often overlooked. The event generates vast amounts of waste, from unsustainable packaging to increased energy consumption. In the case of Cyprus, a small island with limited resources, the consequences are particularly severe.
Unplanned Purchases and Waste
The impulsive nature of Black Friday shopping leads to a staggering amount of unnecessary purchases. Research indicates that 72 per cent of consumers admit to making unplanned buys during sales, with nearly 60 per cent regretting their choices shortly after. This trend results in products that are often barely used before being discarded, contributing heavily to waste.
In 2022, Cyprus generated 673 kg of municipal waste per person, significantly above the EU-27 average of approximately 513 kg. The additional waste from Black Friday exacerbates an already critical situation.
Fast Fashion’s Role
The fast fashion industry thrives during Black Friday, accounting for a substantial portion of e-commerce revenue in Cyprus—approximately 32 per cent in 2024. This surge in demand leads to an enormous textile waste problem, with Cyprus noted for producing the highest amount of textile waste per capita in Europe, at an estimated 29.3 kg per person. Alarmingly, the recycling capture rate stands at only 9 per cent, indicating a dire need for improvement.
Plastic Pollution Concerns
Plastic packaging is another pressing issue that arises during the shopping extravaganza. Although Cyprus reported a packaging recycling rate of 70 per cent in 2022, much of this sorted waste is exported, and transparency regarding its actual recycling is lacking. Additionally, Cyprus is labelled an “enforcement laggard” concerning the EU’s Single-Use Plastic Directive, allowing the continued influx of cheap, disposable plastics that dominate high-volume retail.
Energy Consumption and Emissions
The convenience of online shopping comes at a significant environmental cost. Projected e-commerce growth in Cyprus, expected to reach about €1 billion by 2025, significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions from global shipping and local deliveries. Transport already accounts for 42 per cent of the island’s final energy use, which is compounded by a high car ownership rate of over 600 per 1,000 people. In early 2025, Cyprus experienced an alarming 8.3 per cent rise in greenhouse gas emissions, marking the third-highest increase in the EU and putting the nation off track for its 2030 reduction targets.
Making Mindful Choices This Black Friday
As the date approaches, the question remains: how can consumers navigate Black Friday more responsibly? Here are some suggestions to mitigate its environmental impact:
- Consume Mindfully: Take a moment to reflect before making purchases. Practising restraint against impulse buying can reduce overconsumption and the waste it generates.
- Support Second-Hand Options: Look for pre-owned or refurbished items to avoid the environmental toll of new production and prolong the lifespan of existing products.
- Choose Sustainable Brands: Opt for retailers that demonstrate a commitment to eco-friendly practices and ethical labour standards, thereby redirecting consumer spending towards more responsible businesses.
- Avoid Excessive Packaging: Bring reusable shopping bags and containers to reduce reliance on single-use plastics, contributing to decreased landfill waste.
- Participate in Green Friday: Embrace the Green Friday movement, which advocates for repairing and reusing rather than excessive consumption, shifting the focus from profit to purpose.
- Support Policy Change: Get involved with organisations like the Zero Waste Alliance Cyprus to demand enforcement of the Single-Use Plastic Directive and effective waste prevention strategies.
Despite the allure of Black Friday deals, the pressing climate crisis calls for a critical reevaluation of consumer habits. By making conscious choices, individuals can redefine the day, transforming it from a symbol of overconsumption into one of sustainable practices.
