By Davina C.,
Whilst the term, Black Friday, originated in the US to describe the day after Thanksgiving, since Amazon introduced it into the UK in 2010, Black Friday has become a fixture in the UK retail calendar.
Consumers are given the chance to splurge on discounted goods and special offers for the day, running up to the following week's Cyber Monday.
Figures show that over the 2019 period, sales jumped by 7%, compared to the year before. However, the pandemic and a global climate emergency has turned people away from impulsive consumerism and quick 'cheap' bargain grabbing, to a more conscious approach to shopping. The retail landscape suggests UK consumer interest in Black Friday 2021 is waning.
Research by retail marketing agency, Sitecore, claims 40% of Britons no longer believe that the event offers good deals. The report found that more than a third of shoppers now associate Black Friday with over-consumption. Moreover, 74% of consumers are now more aware about the effects of purchasing from waste to plastic packaging.
Kinetic works with some of the most environmentally conscious and pioneering brands in the beauty and wellbeing industry to make sure 'helping yourself' also means 'helping the planet.'
We have a few top tips on how to shop 'better' and some of our favourite eco-conscious brands to choose, so you can avoid Black Friday shopping guilt.
1. Make Better Choices
Learn more about the brands you shop from including ingredients, production and packaging.
2. Do your research
Is the brand certified? What are the values of the founder/company? Does the company work with communities or customers to have further environmental impact?
3. Start Ditching Disposables
Research companies that have taken a reuse, reduce, recycle approach to products or even a no plastic packaging policy. Start making your own small steps in the home: for instance, you can upcycle your own product containers by turning them into storage pots in the bathroom.
4. Reduce your water usage in your twice a day skincare regime
Make sure to not leave the tap running and use water sparingly with products.
We Love the Planet is a 100% sustainably responsible brand, founded in the Netherlands, which always takes the most 'planet friendly' option from ingredients to packaging. All products feature 100% naturally derived ingredients and are free from synthetics and additives.
The packaging is also zero waste and recyclable from two options: a small sturdy tin can, which is recyclable or reusable, or a zero waste biodegradable and compostable cardboard tube. Both options are 100% plastic free.
Shop: We Love the Planet
Pioneering Scientific Green Beauty brand, Antipodes, aims to produce skincare products that bridge the gap between natural formulations and scientific innovation. All products contain 100% natural, raw, plant based ingredients, carefully sourced from sustainable growers around New Zealand (the brand's homeland) - expect ingredients like Vinanza Grape, plant hyaluronic acid and Kiwi Seed Oil. All packaging is renewable, recyclable and reusable.
Shop: Antipodes
Avalon Organics have been taking a holistic approach to their range of certified organic skincare products since 1989. They have also been quick to reduce the carbon print of packaging. They converted to 100% PCR resin, which also lowered energy consumption, and is the equivalent to eliminating nearly four million PET bottles per year from landfill.
Shop: Avalon Organics
Balade En Provence is a waste-free, organic cosmetics company that manufactures sensorial beauty bars for face, hair and body. Using only naturally sourced ingredients from the Provence region, (where they are based), their philosophy is to promote 'bienveillance' (generosity or desire to do good).
Always striving to make a good environmental and social impact, Balade En Provence works with local communities and manages waste - all products use 100% compostable packaging.
Shop: Balade En Provence
