Participating in Black Friday does not mean giving up your principles. Here is how to shop in a sustainable way this year.

Black Friday does not necessarily mean plastic bags and unsustainable products. Photo by Tim Douglas on Pexels

Every year, Black Friday is widely criticized by some people who say that the holiday encourages excessive consumerism on goods that are rarely of ethical origin or environmentally sustainable. 

For those inexperienced, Black Friday is a day when physical and online stores offer discounts on everything from technology to household goods and clothing.

Near Christmas, this day is usually very popular with consumers, who are looking for cheaper gifts for their loved ones. 

But here is a problem: Many of these deals are peddled by retail giants and fast-fashion brands that have a poor record of workers' rights and environmental sustainability.

According to a 2020 study by Money.co.uk, home delivery on Black Friday last year generated 429,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, which is equivalent to 435 return flights from London to New York.

For ethical and environmentally conscious people, avoiding Black Friday altogether may be the only option-but there are also compromises. 

There are many retailers selling products that avoid the exploitation of workers and the environment, which means you can splurge without guilt on Black Friday.

To help you spend a green and ethical Black Friday, we outline gift ideas including clothing, jewelry, desserts, etc. to help you spend it with a clean heart. 

Plastic in our marine t-shirt: £30 

On big issues, we eliminate poverty by reaching out to those in need instead of reaching out. By purchasing a specially designed Big Issue T-shirt, your purchase will help create a series of job-based opportunities for disadvantaged groups.

This "plastic in the ocean" T-shirt was designed by street artist Mau Mau and printed on the "Earth Front" material made entirely of sustainable energy.

Plant Trees loose fit T-shirt: £20 

This sleek and simple T-shirt can be worn in many different ways and can be fastened, tucked or loose, with the goal of minimizing the number of clothes needed in the closet. 

It comes from Rapanui, a company dedicated to sustainable clothing. Their products are made of natural materials that use renewable energy, while new products are made of materials recovered from old clothes. 

Burr print sports leggings: £79

These leggings are perfect for any type of exercise in your life-for everything from running to swimming and surfing. 

They come from Ruby Moon, a company that uses sustainable materials to make clothing, and then uses all the profits to support female entrepreneurs around the world. 

These fascinating geometric earrings will be the perfect Christmas gift, and the mother-of-pearl is scattered with a rainbow-like luster.

These earrings are handmade by Indian female craftsmen and employed by the Daughters of Ganges, which provides them with a stable job with a decent salary. 

These gorgeous minimalist rings are perfect for stacking with other jewellery and are made of recycled silver. 

They were designed by a typical jewelry company A in Birmingham, which uses recycled materials to make items and uses 100% recyclable packaging. 

This gorgeous gold necklace is made of brass hoops and connected by copper rivets and gold-plated chains.

The project was made by a homeless person. As part of Pivot, Pivot is a social enterprise dedicated to eliminating homelessness. Your necklace will be packed in a handmade box with the name of the manufacturer. 

Rune by Terence Wild, printed: £75

With this limited edition print, you can give someone a beautiful gift to decorate their walls while doing good. 

The prints come from Creative Future, which supports artists facing personal challenges, otherwise their work will not be seen and sold.

Frea Buckler signed wrapping paper: £49.99

Want to wrap your Christmas gifts this year to be amazing-or give others a chance? This limited-edition wrapping paper from artist Frea Buckler will complete the work.

Every purchase will repatriate profits to The Big Issue's work to eliminate poverty by supporting the most disadvantaged groups in society.

Hugs in the box (gift box): £28 

Use Big Issue’s best-selling Hug in a Box to show your friends and family that you miss them this holiday season, filled with snacks that will surely put a smile on someone’s face.

Each snack inside has a story behind it, and a story of people gathering together to give back to important social and environmental causes.

The profits go to the Social Story Club, which supports many social enterprises.

Bee's Wrap, 3-piece set combination: £15

As the perfect choice for stocking fillers, this "bee wrap" set is a sustainable alternative to plastic wrap or tin foil for wrapping food.

The wrapping is made of organic cotton muslin, beeswax, jojoba oil and tree resin.

This mint tea is carefully blended from European, Egyptian and American mint, designed to bring a refreshing mint cooling sensation.

It comes from NEMI Teas, a London-based company that hires refugees who would otherwise have difficulty finding a job.

These "forbidden fruit" cushions are the perfect complement to any home, embracing minimalism and popular colors. 

It comes from Designs in Mind, a studio where adults living with mental health challenges work together on ambitious experimental art and design projects.

Use these 100% biodegradable straws to avoid plastic waste. These straws are made from natural burdock stems, which means they are completely renewable and sustainable. 

They are manufactured by Huski Home, a family-owned company that uses natural waste to make environmentally friendly, reusable household products.

This Moroccan-style chandelier is handmade in India, made of gorgeous patterned stained glass, and can be hung indoors or outdoors.

The supplier is recognized as a fair trade importer by BAFTS, the British Association of Fair Trade Stores and Suppliers, where human rights are the top priority.

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