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Black Friday – The sustainability and safety cost

On Friday 25 November (that’s tomorrow, folks!) our high streets, shopping centres and computers will play host to the busiest consumer day of the year – Black Friday. This day signals the start of a manic weekend of ‘deals’ in the lead up to Christmas.

Now who doesn’t like to get a new TV at 50% off or their new garden patio at a bargain price? But have you stopped to consider what impact this has?

As we are in the business of health, safety, environmental and wider sustainability issues, we thought we’d talk through some of this…

With companies such as Patagonia ignoring the tradition of heavily discounting their products and instead offering all their proceeds from that day to grass-root environmental organisations/charities, the question of why not to take part in this day of mass consumerism becomes even more curious.

A flux in crowds, spending and consuming bring about a number of safety and sustainability issues. Here are some things to bear in mind…

black friday safety and sustainability infographic

Maintaining and improving safety and sustainability practice extends far beyond the built environment sector. Software tools such as YellowJacket, although applied throughout the construction industry, are equally applicable to organisations or supply chains within any sector; health and safety practice does not have boundaries.

Similarly SmartWaste, although designed out of construction industry needs, has principles that can be applied to a multitude of sectors in order to improve material efficiency and waste management.

Even at a personal level, avoiding risk and minimising waste creation is easy to do. Why not start by taking part in the Buy Nothing Day on Friday 25 November?

Speaking of Black Friday, but in a digital capacity, our training partner, the BRE Academy is offering 50% off online training through bre.ac, and 50% off all publications on the BRE Bookshop – there has never been a better time to develop your skills and increase your understanding.