This week is Black Friday and Christmas is just four weeks away. People across Scotland and beyond will be tempted by the sales with many people buying things they do not need and many of those things will be consigned to the bin after a few short weeks!

Therefore we have put together some useful information for an Alt-Black Friday and a Green Xmas!

Do you really need it

Martin Lewis Money Saving Expert recommends these money mantras when you are thinking about buying something...

Boycott Black Friday

Ethical Consumer has written a useful guide why to Boycott Black Friday and also why you might want to Boycott Amazon and support #MakeAmazonPay who profit enormously from Black Friday!

You can also DO NOTHING about it on Buy Nothing Day or get involved with #GreenFridayScotland campaign, both of which are on this Friday!

Buy Local Buy Pre-Loved and Buy Responsibly

Why not buy from one of the many independent retailers in your local high street and town centre and help support your local economy.

If you are looking for a quality refurbished bike then check out De'ils On Wheels community bike workshop!

Or check out our fellow Glasgow Social Enterprise Network and Circular Communities Scotland member organisations for what they can offer.

Check out these fairtrade and ethical advent calendars

Check out the #BuySocialScotland website to find a present with a purpose that gives back to Scottish communities.

Borrow rather than Buy and Repair

Could you borrow an item rather than buying a new one? How often will you realistically use the item? You can borrow a wide range of tools and household items from either Glasgow Tool Library or the Southside Tool Library
You can also repair items - there are several independent shops for shoe and clothing repairs
Another option is the amaxing Repair Cafe Glasgow which has regular sessions at Clyde Hall in Govan

Top Tips for an Eco Friendly Xmas

And here are some great tips for a planet friendly festive period...
Tips to cut your consumption this Christmas
21 eco-friendly Christmas tips
12 easy zero waste Xmas decorations to make
Good Housekeeping's DIY advent calendars

Giving Tuesday - Tue 3 Dec 2024

Giving Tuesday is the global day of giving created as an alternative to Black Friday. A day where everyone, everywhere can do something to support the good causes and communities that mean so much to them. It is a day to celebrate and encourage giving in all its forms.

Support us on Giving Tuesday

Banner photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash