Making Black Friday Greener

Published: 25 November 2025

Black Friday, Recycle

Black Friday remains one of the nation’s biggest shopping events, with an estimated £3.9 billion* expected to be spent in the UK this year. Beginning on 28 November 2025, the sales promise huge discounts and tempting deals on everything from technology to fashion.

Before getting swept up in the excitement, it’s worth pausing to think about the environmental impact our shopping habits have.

Natasha Dix, Service Director Waste, Environment and Planning for the Isle of Wight Council said “We can all play a part in becoming more conscious consumers. As we head into Black Friday, it’s worth asking: Do I really need this? Can I buy it in-store to cut down on emissions?”

By making sustainable choices, we can all make a difference. Buying locally helps reduce air miles and CO₂ emissions, supports local businesses, and cuts down on waste. Black Friday often means more packaging too, so it’s important to think about how we dispose of it responsibly.


Tips to Reduce Your Environmental Impact

  • Ask yourself if you really need the item.
  • Choose quality over quantity – buy longer-lasting products rather than cheap, short-life goods.
  • Group deliveries or choose slower shipping to reduce transport emissions.
  • Buy pre-owned or second-hand items where possible.
  • Check recyclability of both the product and its packaging.


What to Do with Packaging After Shopping

Once you’ve made your purchases, take care to recycle packaging correctly too.

  • Cardboard boxes: Flatten them and remove any sticky tape or polystyrene before recycling. If you have extra, bundle it neatly and leave it beside your recycling bin on collection day.
  • Bubble wrap and air pillows: These can’t be recycled and should go in your general waste bin or reusable sack Be sure to deflate air pillows first.
  • Polystyrene and sticky tape: These can’t be recycled and should go in your general waste bin or reusable sack or be taken to your Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC). Polystyrene can take up to 500 years to decompose, so avoiding it where possible is best.


This Black Friday, let’s focus on ethical shopping and reducing our environmental footprint. By making conscious choices, we can enjoy this time of year while protecting the planet — one purchase at a time.