Black Friday has a bit of a reputation. It’s a day known for chaos, overconsumption and a whole lot of potential waste. But what if there was another way?

Enter a new kind of shopping spree: one that feels a little lighter on the planet and your conscience. More people than ever are choosing to shop smarter, supporting brands that are transparent, certified organic and truly care about people and the planet. 

At Happsy, we value all things organic, and, with a little planning, it’s totally possible to score great deals and stay true to organic values. So before you click “add to cart,” here’s how we can all keep our Black Friday shopping a little more eco-friendly this year.

Mindful shopping is one of the simplest ways to make Black Friday a little more sustainable. A 2022 survey found that only 38% of folks planned to buy what they planned – meaning most purchases were impulsive.

Before you shop, take stock of what you already have. Make a short list of what you actually need and stick to it once the sales hit. That way, when a flashy deal tries to tempt you, you’ll have a little voice of reason to keep your cart in check.

(Of course, we can’t help adding that if you’re wondering if you need a new mattress … the answer is usually yes!)

You don’t have to skip the sales entirely to stick to your values. With a little planning, you can still snag some great deals, just a little more mindfully.

Here are four doable ways to keep your Black Friday shopping lighter on the planet this year.

Shopping local is one of the easiest ways to make your Black Friday haul a little more sustainable. When you buy from small businesses, more of your money stays within the community, supporting local jobs, families and your neighborhood.

It can also help lower the environmental footprint of your shopping. Products made or sold closer to home don’t have to travel as far, which cuts down on transportation emissions and packaging waste.

Plus, local shops often carry unique, high-quality items made with care. You’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts that tell a story and support the creativity of makers in your area – all while shopping with the planet in mind.

Certified organic products support healthier homes and a healthier planet. Organic farming practices use fewer synthetic pesticides and less water, which helps protect soil, air and ecosystems.

And it’s not just about food. Everything from clothing and furniture to mattresses and cleaning supplies have certified organic options. Certifications like GOTS, MADE SAFE® and GREENGUARD Gold help identify products made with safer materials and lower chemical emissions.

It may take a little extra research, but choosing certified brands is a small step that adds up to a meaningful impact over time. Think of it as an investment in your well-being and the world around you.

Immediate deals can be tempting, but quality always wins in the long run. Investing in well-made items helps to reduce waste and saves you money over time, since there’s no need to replace something that’s built to last.

When you choose thoughtfully made products, you’re supporting better craftsmanship and cutting down on the cycle of constant buying and replacing. It’s a change you can make to do your part in keeping landfills from overflowing.

Plus, high-quality pieces tend to hold up well enough to pass along later. Whether that means reselling, donating or gifting, you can give your purchase a second life and keep it out of the waste stream.

Responsible sourcing means making products in ways that aim to reduce harm to people and the planet. This includes fair working conditions, safer materials and efforts to lessen environmental impact throughout the supply chain.

When you’re making your Black Friday shopping list, take a few minutes to read up on the brands you plan to buy from. Companies that are transparent about where and how their products are made often have stronger standards in place.

If you can’t find any information about sourcing or manufacturing, that’s a good reason to pause and dig a little deeper. Choosing brands that share these details helps support better industry practices – and gives you more confidence in what you’re bringing home.

If you’re opting for a “Green Friday” rather than Black Friday this year, it’s important to be mindful of greenwashing. 

Greenwashing is a shady marketing tactic that aims to deceive the consumer into believing a product is more environmentally friendly than it actually is. With the rise in popularity of the sustainability movement, unfortunately greenwashing is becoming all-too prevalent.

Because words like “organic,” “green,” “natural” and “eco-friendly” aren’t regulated terms, one of the best ways you can protect yourself from falling victim to greenwashing is to look for third-party certifications. GOTS, MADE SAFE and GREENGUARD Gold are all great ones to look out for when shopping for organic or non-toxic products like your Happsy mattress and sleep accessories.

Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has green guidelines that spell out how marketers should address environmental claims. It’s an excellent resource to check out when doing your pre-Black-Friday research to help you better understand what companies legally should be doing regarding the environmental claims they make.

With a little planning and a lot of intention, Black Friday can be about more than just deals. Support the brands and products that align with your values, skip the impulse buys and shop in ways that feel good – for you and the planet.