More Stuff, More Problems 💸: The Hidden Cost of Black Friday

👋 Hi Loopers,

Welcome to a special Black Friday edition! As the biggest shopping week of the year approaches, I want to hit pause and reflect on the impact of all those 'too good to miss' deals. Personally, I’ve never been a fan of Black Friday, I avoid shopping during this season because of the waste it generates. This edition is designed to help you rethink how you approach Black Friday and the holiday shopping season, focusing on making more mindful choices.

We’ll be exploring:

It's that time of year again, folks, our inboxes are in 🔥 with "unmissable deals" and "last chance" offers to score more stuff for less cash. But here’s the twist: these one-click "deals" are actually a recipe for disaster, and not just for your wallet. Each of those "add to cart" moments is adding to a pile that’s not just in your closet, but in landfills worldwide.

Every year, the average person buys around 15 kg of clothing (yep, a whole suitcase full!), which adds up to a lifetime weight equal to, say, your car. By 2032, global Black Friday sales are expected to skyrocket by over 305%, and fast fashion pieces, often worn less than five times, are more likely to end up in a landfill than ever. Here’s a stat that’ll make you pause: 73% of discarded clothing ends up in incinerators or dumps rather than being recycled.

So this Black Friday, how about choosing to save both your bank account and the planet? 🫶 Let’s break the cycle and think outside the shopping cart 🛒. Here are some alternatives that’ll keep your wardrobe, and the planet, feeling good:

So, let’s make this Black Friday a little less Black and a lot more Green 🌱. Choose wisely, shop consciously, and be part of the movement that says "no thanks" to overconsumption. Your wallet and the planet will thank you!!!!! 😎 

We’ve all been there, finally grabbing the latest device, maybe the new iPhone 16 📱, expecting a boost of joy. But the moment it’s in our hands, the excitement fades fast 💔. Why? Because brands have perfected a cycle that keeps us endlessly buying, often without lasting satisfaction. This "shopping loop" is more than just a habit; it’s a cycle embedded into our consumer culture, as shown in The Shopping Conspiracy, a new Netflix documentary that exposes the psychology and tactics brands use to keep us buying.

You have to check it out this weekend, seriously, don’t miss it! 🫵 

The environmental impact is massive. In 2023, over 2 billion tons of waste was produced globally, with fashion alone contributing nearly 10 million tons of clothing to landfills each year (World Bank, Ellen MacArthur Foundation). The push to "Buy More" is simply unsustainable. As more consumers become aware of this impact, the demand for a different approach is growing.

That’s where the Circular Economy comes in, a model focused on reusing and repurposing products rather than discarding them. This approach doesn’t just address waste; it brings value back to consumers. Data shows that customers increasingly prefer value over volume, showing a steady rise in interest in brands offering sustainable, long-lasting options. In fact, Gen Z consumers, in particular, are embracing minimalism and sustainability, often choosing quality over quantity. This trend is reshaping the market, pushing brands toward strategies that emphasize customer value and social responsibility.

At Sharpei, we're helping companies break the endless buying loop with product subscriptions, lease-to-own options, and more circular solutions. Our vision? To create a system where products stay in play longer, reducing waste and increasing value. Because ultimately, the world doesn’t need more things; it needs smarter ways to keep things useful, meaningful, and in circulation.

Sustainability, Energy and Environment: ​This conference is your gateway to the latest developments in Sustainability, Energy, Environment, and other cutting-edge advancements, providing you with valuable insights and knowledge to stay ahead in your field. November 27-29. Vienna, Austria.

London Climate Tech Show 2024 Conference: Join the most sought after exhibition & conference focused on the fast developing climate technology value chain, where stakeholders from across the world assemble to experience two days of high value content and unparalleled business opportunities. November 27-28. London, UK.

Are you passionate about sustainability and looking for your dream job? Here are a couple of exciting options:

• Circular Economy Specialist at Ahorramás

• Operations Sustainability Coordinator at Riu Hotels & Resorts

• Senior Project Manager, New Product Development - Sustainability at Shiseido

Feel free to reply to this email if you'd like to showcase your events or if you'd like to be featured in the Loop Commerce community!

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See you next week!! 🕺🏽💚

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