Green Friday 2026: Your guide for a more sustainable black friday

Discover how to make your Black Friday more eco-friendly. Explore ways to consume less, support sustainable brands and shop more responsibly.

Black Friday is around the corner, and with it comes the inevitable flood of sales, discounts, and tempting offers. While it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of getting a good bargain, it’s important to take a moment to consider the environmental impact of our purchases. The rise in consumer spending during Black Friday has led to concerns about waste, overconsumption, and environmental damage.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Why not turn this year's Black Friday into Green Friday by buying something that lasts: trees!

Here are five good tips for adopting more sustainable shopping habits this Black Friday and why a tree could be a better buy than another gadget:

First, what is the environmental cost of Black Friday?

Black Friday has become synonymous with shopping frenzy, but the environmental toll is undeniable. Across the EU, millions of consumers participate in the Black Friday sales.

In Denmark, MobilePay data shows Danes spent DKK 3.86 billion over Black Week in 2025, up from 3.66 billion the year before, even though the average purchase dropped slightly to DKK 630 (Source: Dansk Erhverv). And in Germany alone, shoppers planned to spend an average of €298 on Black Friday last year, yet almost half now say the event feels out of step with the times (idealo/Kantar, 2025).However, this surge in spending isn’t just a financial burden; it also leads to significant waste.

Research from the University of Leeds and Green Alliance found that up to 80% of products bought on Black Friday end up in landfill, incinerated or poorly recycled, sometimes after only a couple of uses. This is why it’s crucial to think more critically about our purchases. By shifting from mindless consumerism to intentional, thoughtful buying, especially when it comes to investing in nature, we can make a real difference.

1. How to plan ahead and limit your purchases

With all the Black Friday promotions flooding your inbox, it can be tempting to make impulse buys. But the key to a more sustainable shopping experience is planning ahead. Start by listing the items you truly need and will use repeatedly. Practising mindful consumption and limiting your purchases to what’s essential reduces your environmental footprint, avoids unnecessary waste and prevents overconsumption.

This approach isn’t just good for your wallet; it’s good for the planet, too. When we buy only what we need, we reduce the demand for mass production and minimise the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing, packaging, and transportation.

2. Why you should priortise second-hand or vintage

One of the easiest ways to reduce environmental impact is by buying pre-owned or vintage items. Not only does this extend the life of pre-owned goods, but it also reduces the demand for new resources. From clothing to furniture and electronics, a wide array of pre-loved and vintage items are available, often in great condition.

By choosing second-hand, you’re supporting a more circular economy, helping to keep items in use for longer and preventing them from ending up in landfills. However, it's important only to buy things you truly need; buying second-hand should not be an excuse for keeping up habits of overconsumption.

3. Why you should choose sustainable brands

If you plan to buy something new, prioritise companies committed to sustainable practices. Support ethical brands by looking for brands that are transparent about their environmental efforts and products made from eco-friendly materials. Many companies today are working hard to reduce their carbon emissions, and supporting them helps drive the demand for greener products.

Choosing sustainable brands doesn’t just mean buying products made from recycled or biodegradable materials. It also includes companies contributing to nature restoration and preservation and embracing fair trade practices.

4. How to shop locally & bundle your purchases

When shopping online, transportation emissions can significantly increase your carbon footprint. One way to mitigate this is by shopping locally. Supporting local businesses helps reduce shipping-related emissions and fosters a stronger, more sustainable community economy.

Additionally, try to bundle your purchases. Instead of making multiple smaller orders, combine them, reducing the overall packaging and transportation waste.

5. Why planting trees is a better alternative this Black Friday

When it comes to sustainable investments, one of the most impactful things you can do is planting trees. Unlike items that may lose their value or end up in landfills, trees are a long-term investment in the planet. Not only do trees absorb carbon dioxide, but they also improve air quality, provide wildlife habitats, and support biodiversity.

By buying trees, you’re directly contributing to forest restoration and conservation efforts. EcoTree manages forests across Europe, allowing individuals to invest in sustainably managed forests, where your tree grows for decades. So rather than buying a new gadget or the latest kitchen appliance on impulse, why not invest in a piece of nature this Friday that will keep growing for generations?

For many of us, Black Friday is when Christmas shopping begins. A tree makes a gift that keeps growing long after the wrapping paper is gone.

Rather than adding another gadget, kitchen appliance, or fast-fashion item to your collection this Black Friday, consider making a contribution that benefits both you and the planet. Trees are a simple yet incredibly powerful way to contribute to natural carbon sinks that absorb CO2 and help restore and protect our vital ecosystem, rather than items that emit CO2 through their production.

EcoTree allows you to invest in sustainable forests across Europe. Each tree you purchase helps capture carbon, prevent soil erosion, and enhance biodiversity. Choosing a tree over another impulse buy is a simple way to put your money into something that lasts.

If you’re ready to do something lasting for nature, become a tree owner today. Join EcoTree and become a tree owner to begin your journey towards creating a real, lasting difference.