The Black Friday Dilemma: A New Sustainability Strategy without the Guilt Trip
Yeesh, Black Friday is weird for me. As a sustainability advocate, I’d love to hate Black Friday… but also, I want to be realistic.
And I know there are things we’re all going to buy throughout the year anyway, right? (That’s normal, and I’m not judging you for it.)
So, my realistic brain asks, why not take advantage of a nice seasonal discount if it’s available? I get that.
(Pssst… my sustainable gift guide is a perfect companion to this post.)
The parts I hate are the stampedes for TVs, the Amazonification of commerce (where only giants can succeed, and they squish the literal life out of small businesses and exploited workers who don’t have any better options), and the pressure – several kinds.
- Pressure on small businesses to compete by offering discounts that they might not be able to afford.
- Pressure on our logistics systems to ship way too much stuff, way too fast, all at the same time, leading to way more emissions than if the orders were more spread out.
- (In the UK, one source estimates that emissions from shipping nearly double during Black Friday week, and it’s mostly because of rush shipping, which mean deliveries go out before the trucks are full.)
- Pressure on people like you and me to buy stuff we really don’t need – low-quality stuff, especially stuff bought on impulse, that will just end up wasting resources to be created and shipped, before a short, disappointing, life of only brief usefulness, on its way to a landfill.
- (Remember, landfills are also where cheap crap that we donate to thrift shops ends up. Junk is junk. Studies show up to 80% of what we buy during Black Friday ends up in the trash after just a few uses.)
The Sustainability Influencer Echo Chamber
I also hate that most sustainability influencers ignore the powerful reality of human nature combined with capitalism. Ie: Yes, we buy things. Both because we need to and because we want to. So boycotting Black Friday doesn’t appeal to many people because – don’t come at me for this – Black Friday is kind of fun.
But finding a way do Black Friday better, with a strategy for how to approach it and what brands are actually worth buying, probably appeals to a lot more people.
Instead of a Guilt-Trip: A More Ethical Black Friday Guide
Just like with flight shaming (I don’t) my goal at Tilted Map is to actually help, instead of guilt-tripping. So today, that means I’m giving you two quick guides – and lots of time to think without panic buying.
- First, my tips to make sustainable Black Friday choices.
- And second (below), some of the best, genuinely sustainable companies I know of that are offering Black Friday discounts you might want to know about.
Tips to make Black Friday more sustainable:
- Don’t rush shipping. Studies have shown that emissions from shipping increase during Black Friday sales more than they should just because of orders increasing. Why? It’s at least partly due to the expectation of fast, or even next-day delivery, often resulting in half-filled delivery trucks being sent out.
- Order from brands that prioritize sustainable practices year-around. Be picky. Check out my sustainable product reviews for inspiration.
- Start thinking early – is there anything I need to buy new, that I’ve tried to buy used and haven’t found? Something on my shopping list that I have needed for a while? Make a list, and STICK TO THAT LIST. Don’t impulse buy just because something is on sale. If you didn’t really want it at full price, you don’t need it on sale.
Sustainable Black Friday Deals
A warning: These items are still not cheap. They’re made TO LAST. They use responsible production, organic farming that creates far less pollution, living wages paid to workers, and thoughtful packaging without plastic and waste.
The Black Friday sales make these quality products a bit more accessible, but they’re only truly sustainable when we make them part of a larger mindset shift toward buying less new stuff.
For clothing, there are occasional items I buy new, but honestly, most of my clothes come from consignment stores – it’s like a sport! And most of my kitchen and home goods come from thrift shops or – this is true – piles of stuff my neighbors leave on the street. Seriously, it’s a gold mine out there. But like mining for gold, it takes patience.
Here are my favorite Black Friday deals that are worth tour time – high-quality products from sustainable brands I know, trust and recommend all year ’round:
Hestan – the best non-toxic, non-stick cookware
Black Friday Deal:
- 20% off almost everything. (And later, up to $200 off sets)
Dates:
- November 7 – Tuesday, December 3. (Deals on sets will be December 5 – 26.)
Why I recommend Hestan:
The short version: These pans are amazing, and not just because they’re the only brand I’ve brought shiny and new in years. They’re non-stick WITHOUT the forever chemicals that give Teflon pans their non-stick factor. They’re unscratchable (you can use metal utensils on their titanium pans) and they’re low-maintenance (dishwasher friendly) and can go in the oven.
The fun version: I am legally bound by a signed NDA to not tell you where exactly I discovered this cookware brand. Let me just say that I was cat-sitting in a major city for an actor whose movies you have definitely seen, and this actor had, as you might expect, a professional kitchen stocked with the best cooking supplies I’ve ever laid my hands on, including a full-set of these Hestan pans.
Emanuele (my chef / husband) and I spent the week cozily cooking and testing out ALL the pans, so we got to really try them all and find the most versatile one before we even thought about buying one. And buying one seemed like a ridiculous idea, for a long time, given the price tag… But after a year of complaining that our pans sucked compared to Mr. Actor’s pans, and they were probably killing us with PFAS anyway, we decided to invest in The One when the Black Friday deal came around last year.
And we’ve never looked back. It’s the pan we often wash multiple times a day because we want to use it for everything. We’ll actually be buying one more from Hestan this year.
Avocado Green Mattress – soft, organic, sustainably made sheets
Black Friday Deals:
- All listed here for US customers, and here for Canada
- Up to 50% off bedding
- Up to 20% off mattresses ($1,540)
- 10% off everything else – furniture, towels, robes, etc.
Dates:
- Wednesday, November 13 – Wednesday, December 4 (and likely to be extended a day or two)
Why I recommend Avocado:
Don’t let the name fool you, Avocado makes more than mattresses (which have the prestigious EWG Verified sustainability certification, for adults’, kids’ and crib mattresses).
They also make absolutely amazing sheets with the best collection of sustainability accolades I’ve found from any bedding company.
I bought a pair of their certified organic, 600-thread-count super soft sheets two years ago, and they have been my best investment in my home life. (Despite my husband’s initial cries of “how much??” he is now totally on board.)
They literally do get softer with every wash. This year, I upgraded even further to their silk pillow cases (no regrets at all) and bought a set of their organic hemp sheets to have a set to wear and one to wash. (Hemp is even more sustainable material than cotton, with a very different, heavy sort of feel. They’re lovely.)
These are tried and true, tested, and worth the investment, IMO.
Other bedding brands have offered me affiliate deals (so I can earn a commission by promoting their products) but I’ve never found a reason to shout out anyone but Avocado.
Rebrand Skincare – Refillable and so simple… “even a man can use it”
Black Friday Deal:
- 20% off with the code 2024FAM20 (including repeat orders)
- The rest of the year: 15% off on your first order with the code TILTEDMAP (all the time, not just Black Friday)
Dates:
- through Friday, December 6 for the Black Friday discount
Why I recommend Rebrand:
Okay, let me explain: Have you seen that scene in Mad Men where Joan says to Peggy, “the men who designed this typewriter made it so simple even a woman can use it?” (It was season 1, the revolution was not happening yet.)
That typewriter is this skincare.
You don’t have to choose between a dozen different serums and creams. There’s a gentle face wash, a vitamin C brightening serum (that actually brightened my skin visibly), a dependable moisturizer, and a face oil if you need more moisture than that. No other choices.
And then you order refills that cost a lot less and come in double-sized, recyclable aluminum! It’s great for anyone who needs a simple skincare routine (or maybe needs to be told to have a skincare routine…)
PS: here are more of my favorite man-leaning sustainable gift ideas.
More Info:
Here’s my full review of all the Rebrand Skincare products (including refillable lip balm).
Or check out my other sustainable skincare brand reviews.
Lomi – More convenient than composting
Black Friday Deal:
- Up to 40% off the updated Lomi 2. (That’s $240)
Dates:
- Wednesday, November 13 – Tuesday, December 3
Why I recommend Lomi:
If you’re looking for a sustainable way to get rid of your food waste, but not really into composting, you should look into a Lomi. (Bonus benefits: Now that I have one, I take out the trash half as often, and it never smells.)
Lomi is a kitchen appliance that I think of as somewhere between a bread maker and a mixer, but for food scraps. It turns, heats, crunches and aerates food waste into “Lomi dirt,” which you can dump in a green bin or (as I do) sprinkle around your backyard.
I’ve used it for two years, and it’s great for me as a 1.) non gardener, and 2.) frequent traveler. I don’t have to worry about actual composting chores, and when I’m gone for a few weeks or a month at a time, I don’t have to think about canceling a composting pick-up service.
More Info:
I wrote an entire review of Lomi after using mine for more than a year, and it’s full of all the behind-the-scenes, not-officially-sanctioned tips and tricks and what really works.
For more info on the sustainability factors, check out the section of my blog about who should actually buy a Lomi.
And we also made a short VIDEO recap of how we use the Lomi.
Unbound Merino – They don’t look like “travel clothes” (and don’t smell or wrinkle)
Black Friday Deal:
- Up to 40% off site-wide.
- 10% off anything that’s not on sale, always, with my code: TILTEDMAP
Dates:
- Sunday, November 24 – Monday, December 2
Why I recommend Unbound Merino:
As you probably know, I talk about Unbound Merino all the time. That’s because I wear their clothes all the time. Seriously, for the past three years this brand has been pretty much the only clothes I’ve bought new.
The quality is outstanding, they’re super soft, comfortable and versatile for travel, allowing me to pack way less, repeat outfits and never get smelly.
More Info:
Here’s my detailed review of Unbound Merino, which includes specific product reviews, how to wash merino wool (no dryer!), and what makes them sustainable and great for travel.
For a fit check, watch our review video on YouTube! It covers a lot of the same points, plus you get to watch me try things on for some sizing help.
And for more, there’s my sustainable clothing brands guide!
Tortuga – Backpacks designed for travel
Black Friday Deal:
- Save up to 35% on Tortuga’s backpack + packing cube bundles, and even more on a few last-chance items
- Save 10% always (on your first order) with this link (no code required)
Dates:
- Friday, Nov 29 – Tuesday, Dec 3
Why I recommend Tortuga:
Tortuga makes travel backpacks and a short list of travel accessories that are very high quality and are made from recycled water bottles.
I particularly love their Compression Packing Cube (well-built, and packs a lot), and the combination of their Day Pack Pro and Travel Sling (such great organization for a tiny bag in the sling. I’ve used it on all my travels this year.)
If you want to travel with a backpack (skipping the suitcase) they make two great options that are carry-on sized and designed to replace your suitcase, while also encouraging you to pack light – something I know a thing or two about.
More Info:
I’ve used Tortuga travel gear for more than a year, and reviewed Tortuga extensively.
I own both the Lite and Pro versions of their main travel backpack, so I recommend you check out my comparison guide before buying.
And don’t forget my tips for packing lighter (like this one, it’s another guide that takes a dive away from the typical advice you may have already ready).
Axiology – Plastic-free makeup that is just really good
Black Friday Deal:
- 20% off Axiology brand* products with coupon code TILTEDMAP (or the seasonal code HOLIDAY24, but I’ve got you with the same deal anytime)
*Axiology also sells products from a few other sustainable brands, such as Elate Beauty’s excellent refillable mascara, which aren’t eligible for the Black Friday sale.
Freebies (Black Friday season only):
- Free Lip Balm with purchase $100+.
- Free Makeup Bag with purchase of $115+.
- Gifts are automatically added to your cart and, yes, they can be combined with the BF discount.
Dates:
- Friday, November 22 – Monday, December 2
Why I recommend Axiology:
For anyone who likes makeup but hates plastic waste, Axiology is my favorite recommendation. They make versatile, multi-use makeup with skincare ingredients built-in to the formulas, and it’s ALL packaged with ZERO PLASTIC. It’s amazingly well done.
I personally love their Shape Stick (for contouring), Balmies (for an eyeshadow highlight) and Tinted Dew (for lips and cheeks).
I hope you found this sustainable Black Friday guide useful! Questions? Thoughts? Leave them in the comments below.
Before you go:
- Check out my full guide to sustainable gift ideas for everyone – a very curated list of eco-conscious companies I know and trust.
- And I’ve reviewed lots of sustainable brands, besides the ones linked above! You can browse all of the Tilted Map sustainable product reviews.
