Green Friday: A Fresh Take on Black Friday with Black Mamba
From carbon emissions to packaging waste, the true price of Black Friday is seldom discussed. At Black Mamba, we are choosing a different path—a more mindful, sustainable way to celebrate this season. We call it Green Friday.
What is Green Friday? It's our invitation to prioritise conscious choices over compulsive consumption, encouraging our community to pause, reflect, and make decisions that positively impact the planet. Whether you're in South Africa, the UK, the UAE, or anywhere else, Green Friday is about creating a ripple effect of sustainable practices and slowing down the shopping rush.
The Environmental Impact of Black Friday
The Carbon Footprint of Consumption
The surge in production, shipping, and delivery of goods during Black Friday leads to a spike in carbon emissions globally. During last year’s Black Friday week, it was estimated that 1.2 million tons of CO2 was released due to trucks transporting goods around Europe. That’s 94% higher than an average week and the equivalent of 1000 return flights from London to New York. As Black Friday gains popularity globally, this environmental toll continues to grow.
Waste and Pollution
Black Friday also results in increased single-use plastics, excessive packaging, and products with short lifespans. According to the Green Alliance, up to 80% of items bought on Black Friday, including the packaging they arrive in, are thrown away after a few uses, some without being used at all, and often end up in landfills or incinerators. In the U.S. waste increases by 25% between Black Friday and the New Year. While the majority of this waste comes from packaging, some of it is due to unused items that were bought because of the allure of getting a good deal. This rise in waste generation turns Black Friday into a time of environmental strain, underscoring the importance of choosing durable, sustainable items.
Why Black Mamba Celebrates Green Friday
Aligned with Our Core Values
At Black Mamba, our commitment extends beyond crafting delicious, high-quality chilli sauces and condiments. We're passionate about ethical sourcing and sustainable production, working closely with farmers in Eswatini to empower local communities through fair-trade partnerships. Green Friday is a natural extension of these values—a reminder to make thoughtful, sustainable purchases.
Encouraging Mindfulness Over Consumption
We believe that every choice we make can have a lasting impact. This Green Friday, we encourage our community to step back from the frenzy of deals and discounts and embrace a more conscious approach. Consider the products you truly need, the brands that align with your values, and the stories behind the items you bring into your life. Mindful purchases create a powerful statement in a world of overconsumption.
How to Celebrate Green Friday with Black Mamba
Breathe and Connect with Nature
Instead of joining the shopping rush, spend the day in nature, breathing fresh air and grounding yourself. This Green Friday, we encourage you to head outside, go for a walk, or simply relax in a garden. Spending time in nature reminds us of the importance of protecting our environment, helping us stay present and appreciate the beauty around us.
Support Ethical Brands
If you choose to shop, seek out brands that prioritise sustainability, fair trade, and community. Whether it's Black Mamba's locally sourced chilli sauces and condiments or other ethical products, choosing brands with a purpose can make a significant difference. By supporting companies that care, you're helping create a demand for products that are kind to the earth and its people.
Gift Ideas for a Greener Holiday Season
Looking ahead to the festive season, consider gifts that have a meaningful impact. Black Mamba's hot sauces, pestos, and condiments make thoughtful, sustainable gifts, each product supporting small-scale farmers and promoting fair-trade practices in Eswatini. These items offer a unique blend of African flavours with a commitment to environmental and social responsibility—perfect for anyone who appreciates both good food and good values.
A New Way Forward: Join Us for Green Friday
This year, we invite you to step away from the Black Friday chaos and embrace Green Friday with us. Whether you're in South Africa, the UK, the UAE, or anywhere in the world, every conscious choice you make contributes to a more sustainable future. Imagine a world where the rush of Black Friday is replaced by moments of mindfulness, nature, and ethical consumerism.
Join us in rethinking how we approach this season. Let's focus on what truly matters—caring for our planet, supporting brands with purpose, and creating a positive ripple effect through every decision. Together, we can make Green Friday a tradition to celebrate for years to come.