It’s Sales Season: An Ethical Look at Black Friday-Cyber Monday
By: Laura Bennett
Sales season is already upon us as retailers ramp up discounts in the lead up to Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend hoping to cash in on some 12.7billion dollars Australians are estimated to spend over the shopping event.
That figure doesn’t take into account Boxing Day sales or money already being spent on Christmas gifts, which undoubtedly would blow it out significantly.
As much as we love a bargain, should we be thinking about the ethical impacts of our purchases?
The Australian Institute reports that over 200,000 tonnes of textiles waste ends up in landfill around Australia each year, and we discard approximately 2.5million household appliances annually. The need to replace them may be genuine, but we can prevent unnecessary waste by only buying things we need.
Katherine Halliday is from Baptist World Aid who work actively to educate shoppers on ethical spending, helping all of us understand the implications of all stages of the manufacturing process.
As much as we love a bargain, should we be thinking about the ethical impacts of our purchases?
“If we’re buying things we don’t need,” Katherine said. “It’s filling up our closets and affecting our wallets, but it’s also really harmful to the environment and workers involved in the supply chain.
“Our desire to find low prices means that companies can cut corners by not elevating their wages to what we would say is fair for these workers.”
Given the cost-of-living pressures many of us find ourselves under a bargain is appealing, but we need be aware of the psychology at play behind sales and the feeling that we need new things, and we need them now.
“Our desire to find low prices means that companies can cut corners by not elevating their wages to what we would say is fair for these workers.”
“Our minds love to feel in abundance and in control, and like we’ve just scored something that’s great value,” Katherine said.
“Sales season and retail therapy really fits into those mindset shifts that we have.
“Our brain gives us a hit of dopamine even if we just think about making a purchase or finding something at a good sale.”
If you’re wanting to avoid the pressure of the sales Katherine recommends “taking a moment to reflect on whether you really need to buy new”.
“Remember that the best value and the most sustainable things are already in your wardrobe, or they’re going to come from a clothing swap or an op shop.”
We need be aware of the psychology at play behind sales and the feeling that we need new things, and we need them now.
We can also “limit our exposure to advertising by unsubscribing or unfollowing accounts that are giving you lots of ads”.
“Take a step back from social media in these next few weeks, step outside, enjoy the good weather and spend time with friends,” Katherine said.
Shopping ethically doesn’t have to make you a Christmas Scrooge or take the joy out of giving, Katherine suggests “doing Secret Santas with family” so you’re not over-purchasing in your own household and giving gifts from a list “so you know what people want and there won’t be waste”.
“I’m also a big fan of gifting a shared memory by organising an activity that we can do together,” Katherine said.
“When we think about the impact our purchasing decisions can have it can feel overwhelming.
“But on the flip side, we can feel empowered that we’re part of the fashion system too [and] can use our values to dictate how we participate in it.”
Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.
Feature image: Photo by Tamanna Rumee on Unsplash
About the Author: Laura Bennett is a media professional, broadcaster and writer from Sydney, Australia.