Black Friday : la mauvaise affaire ? • FRANCE 24

Black Friday promotions often mislead consumers with inflated claims of significant savings, with studies revealing only a 2% real reduction in prices. While many consumers are drawn to Black Friday sales, the event's impact on the environment and the working conditions of those who produce the goods is significant, promoting a need for more responsible consumption and government regulation. Promoting a ‘Green Friday’ approach, experts encourage consumers to consider the environmental and human impact of purchases, focusing on buying less but better, prioritizing ethical and sustainable options.

Black Friday Sales

• 00:01:30 Many consumers believe that Black Friday offers substantial discounts, but a 2023 UFC Que Choisir study revealed that only 2% of the advertised promotions translated into real savings. This deceptive marketing practice encourages impulsive buying and overconsumption, rather than genuine bargains. It suggests a need for pricing transparency and regulation.

Environmental Impact

• 00:02:55 The Black Friday event significantly impacts the environment, with the production and disposal of goods contributing to resource depletion, pollution, and waste. Examples include the large water consumption for producing jeans, and the immense quantities of clothing and electronic waste generated. These costs are rarely considered during the shopping spree, highlighting the environmental consequences of consumerism.

Ethical Consumption

• 00:01:15 The Green Friday movement advocates for a shift in consumer behavior, promoting a 'buy less, but better' approach. This entails buying ethically produced goods, such as those from Altermundi, and considering the impact on both people and the environment. Buying secondhand, repairing items, and considering the necessity of purchases are all elements of a more responsible consumption pattern.

Consumer Education

• 00:02:09 The interviewee emphasizes a crucial need for consumer education to help people make informed purchasing decisions. He suggests that consumers are often unaware of the true costs of their purchases, both environmentally and in terms of human labor conditions. Therefore, initiatives like Green Friday aim to educate consumers about alternatives, helping them to prioritize sustainable and ethical choices.

Government Regulation

• 00:04:21 The interviewee believes that government action is needed to address deceptive marketing practices and promote more sustainable consumer habits. He advocates for regulations that ensure transparency in advertising and support initiatives for more virtuous products, such as those produced in France or recycled goods. This will help ensure a more responsible retail environment and empower informed consumer choices.