It's that time of the year again; the sun sets earlier, the temperatures are on a slow but steady journey southwards, and all accross the world people embrace a very specific blind spot for anything related to sustainable and responsible consumption. It is once again Black Friday.
The Black Friday phenomenon as we know it today started in the early 1950's United States, marking the beginning of the jolliest season of all; the season of Christmas shopping. It falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving, and has grown to become a global trend; a race to the bottom between retailers, an over-consumption feast among customers. In 2021, the trend is predicted to lead to as much as 429 000 tonnes of carbon emissions, roughly the same amount as 215 778 return flights between Australia and England.
It is hard to resist the tidal wave of good offers that somehow find manage to find their way into all corners of society throught the last week of November each year. To some, the traditional low prices are a life saver for securing christmas presents on a tight budget. For others, the bargain race is just another road that leads to shopping for the sake of buying, rather than for the sake of actual necessity. It is another voice urging you to buy more, consume faster, and never stop to reflect on what you really need, and what you already have.
Frugality is an art that seems to have no place in the last week of November, but it is never too late to redefine tradition. Here are 3 tips for frugalising a non-frugal season:
1. Get a Free Sewing Machine
Instead of mindlessly scrolling through fast fashion sales, why not spend that time learning a new skill? Mending and up-cycling old clothes has recently become a massive trend on social media, and the internet is filled with beginner-friendly tutorials. If a sewing machine is needed there are always cheap and even free machines on online platforms such as Marktplaats, or you can book a table at a sewing café.
2. Shop Responsibly
If the need for shopping is still there after mending and up-cycling all your old clothes, make sure to check out your local second-hand stores! There are usually two types of second hand shops to look out for:
-Charity shops - typically the cheapest option, but generally less organised and less of a high quality selection. If you think the low prices are worth it, and you are prepared to look through some less trendy pieces before you find the perfect fit, these stores are for you.
-Vintage shops - typically on the more expensive side, although rarely more expensive than most fast fashion alternatives. These shops usually hand-pick high quality and/or trendy pieces, to make the shopping experience easier and more streamlined. If you are willing to pay slightly more, and are looking for an experience that more closely resembles that of fast fashion stores, these shops are for you.
3. Make it Social!
The concept of "Friendsgiving" has taken the US, and other parts of the world, by storm redefining the traditionally family-oriented holiday of Thanksgiving for a more friendship focused edition. This year, you have the chance to make Friendsgiving a frugal holiday, in three simple steps:
-Organise a potluck dinner where the attendees have to use whatever is left in their cupboards! a cheap, sustainable and fun twist to the traditional dinner menu.
-Organise a clothing-swap, where each guest brings a pre-determined amount of old clothes, to be swapped for clothes the other guests have brought. A social, creative and inspiring way to update your wardrobe!
-Once everyone have gathered new clothes, it is time to mend and repair them, to fit their new owner. Each guest brings the sewing or repairing tools they have at hand, and get to work!
