Black Friday has become a tradition for millions to begin their holiday shopping and celebrate the start of the season. These shoppers are unknowingly contributing to the carbon footprint that this day annually generates. Year round, fashion accounts for about 8% of carbon emissions, which rises by 72% on Black Friday. Sophia Say (‘25) is an avid shopper, who still tries to maintain a healthy environment.

“When I’m out shopping, I’ll consider whether I really need something, and I make sure to use reusable bags or no bag at all to avoid using more plastic,” Say said.

“The Conversation”, a news network for non-profit media outlets, suggests that customers order multiple sizes and colors to find the perfect items, knowing that most retailers offer “free” returns. What shoppers don’t realize is that over 50% of all clothes purchased are returned, which is about 33% more carbon emissions from the item being shipped the first time. As for the other 50%, they don’t do much better for the environment.

“Up to 80 percent of items…will end up either in landfill, incineration or—at best—low quality recycling,” The source says, “Most of the resources they are made from will only get one use before being wasted,” When it comes to shopping, teens have discovered their own alternatives to avoid going to the mall or an online store all of the time.

“I went home and I cleaned out my closet to see if there was anything I could donate, because they could be more beneficial for someone else,” Say said.

Environmentalists suggests safe options when it comes to shopping so excessively, including learning how to make and repair clothes or finding ethical and sustainable brands, such as Patagonia, Veja and Reformation