Black Friday - NO to consumer mania

Despite the current economic situation, the hype surrounding this special consumer day with fictitious discounts continues. The German Retail Association (HDE ) expects Black Friday and Cyber Monday to increase sales by a staggering 22% and generate sales of 5.7 billion euros. Climate activists sharply criticize the consumer madness and its devastating consequences for our climate and call for a boycott.

Under the slogan "No bargains at the expense of the planet", the WWF is calling on people not to indulge in the shopping frenzy on November 25. The environmental organization Greenpeace demonstrates in front of the Amazon headquarters in Munich with a "Species extinction starts here" banner. "The Amazonization of everyday life is an accelerant for the destruction of nature and the extinction of species," says Wohlgemuth, Greenpeace expert for resource conservation and the circular economy. In 2021, 56% of all German online trade is said to have been handled via Amazon.

According to forecasts, 1.2 million tons of CO2 will be emitted just by transporting parcels to warehouses and stores in Europe during Black Week, writes Greenpeace Germany.

However, according to a survey by the Institute for Retail Research IHF Cologne, the reason why such a high increase can be expected on Black Friday in times of high inflation and dwindling purchasing power is due to the proximity to Christmas. Many consumers want to use this day for "cheap" - preferably "discounted" - Christmas shopping.

Discounts tempt you into a spending spree

Bargain hunts in particular tempt us to buy much more than we need or had previously planned - which is of course part of the company's strategy, but is very problematic for the environment and our own wallets. In experiments, neuroscientists have shown that the reward system in the brain is activated by the mere sight of a percentage sign on a price tag.

Protect yourself

The following tips can be helpful in arming yourself against the intoxicatingly convenient online purchase of all kinds of discounted goods:

• First of all, we should ask ourselves the most important question of all: Do I REALLY NEED this thing?
• Is the bargain actually discounted - or was the price perhaps raised so high in the previous months or the RRP, which is usually set much higher, that the discount is "only" the actual old price? - Price comparison portals can help here

After all, the initial euphoria of having made a super bargain is often followed by disillusionment in the form of feelings of guilt and an inner sense of emptiness. Especially if you have overextended your finances. In the frenzy of discounts.

Green Friday as an alternative?

On Green Friday, people forego some or all of their own discounts in favor of a benefit for the environment and climate. Some plant a tree, others donate their profits to social causes, etc. So far, it has mainly been companies that have taken part in the campaign day that are also committed to sustainability in other ways. Nevertheless, it is still about consumption. You also have to take a close look at whether the offer is greenwashing or whether it contains a genuine climate benefit.

For several years now, Greenpeace has been organizing a counter-model to Black Week, namely MAKE SMTHNG Week, in which events throughout Germany focus on a different way of doing business and sustainable living.

Our pro.earth.conclusion: Sometimes our motto "act instead of talk" also means actively renouncing action by not allowing ourselves to be lured into the consumer trap.