Scots ‘should ditch Black Friday and join Green Friday revolution by embracing second-hand purchases’

Scots are being encouraged to move away from participating in Black Friday sales and instead embrace the “Green Friday revolution” by opting for second-hand purchases. While global interest in the annual shopping event is declining, it is gaining momentum in Scotland. Recent research conducted by PwC has shown that 41% of Scots are intending to partake in Black Friday sales this year, an increase from 35% in the previous year, contributing to the accumulation of waste in the country.

Amidst this shopping frenzy, an innovative app called Faircado is promoting sustainable shopping practices by recommending second-hand alternatives to users as they browse online. By using this free browser plug-in, individuals can easily find pre-owned options for items they are searching for, ranging from clothing to electronics, often of higher quality than new purchases. Faircado’s CEO, Evolena de Wilde d’Estmael, highlighted the benefits of choosing second-hand items over fast-fashion alternatives, emphasising the value and sustainability of such purchases.

The app was born out of a personal frustration experienced by Evolena, coupled with a growing concern over the environmental impact of discarding goods at an alarming rate. Faircado consolidates second-hand offers from various platforms, including popular sites like Amazon, Patagonia, and eBay, simplifying the process of choosing pre-loved items that align with one’s preferences.

While Scotland’s interest in Black Friday falls slightly below the UK average, the study discovered a rise in participation compared to the previous year. Technology, fashion, health and beauty, and festive items were identified as top spending categories for Scottish shoppers during this period. Nevertheless, the environmental repercussions of Black Friday cannot be overlooked, with shopping activities contributing to substantial carbon emissions and waste production.

On a global scale, the disposal of electronic devices and textiles escalates the e-waste crisis, underscoring the importance of adopting sustainable shopping practices. By advocating for second-hand purchases through initiatives like Green Friday and utilising tools such as Faircado, individuals can make a positive impact on the environment and contribute to a more sustainable future.