Circular monday: a sustainable alternative to black friday
Every year, the period starting with Black Friday marks a peak in mass consumption: crowded stores, aggressive deals, and often impulsive purchases. But what if, instead of joining the consumption frenzy, we opted for a more conscious, responsible, and sustainable approach? This is the idea behind Circular Monday, a global initiative that extends the lifespan of products through repair, reuse, rental, and circular economy.
What is Circular Monday?
Circular Monday was created as a response to the excessive consumption driven by Black Friday. Originally founded in 2017 in Malmö, Sweden, as “White Monday,” it adopted its current name in 2020. Its goal: to give visibility to companies operating under circular models —second-hand, refurbished, repair, rental, reuse— instead of repeating the typical linear cycle “produce-buy-discard.”
Every year, the Monday before Black Friday becomes a day to promote sustainability. For example, in 2025, Circular Monday will take place on Monday, November 24.
Why is it important today?
The mass consumption model —promoted by events like Black Friday— has environmental and social consequences beyond economic spending. Recent data in Spain shows that many purchases are impulsive, and much of the sale catalog does not offer real discounts.
- In 2024, only 30% of the products analyzed had a real price reduction.
- Excessive buying —especially unnecessary or low-quality items— promotes fast obsolescence, resource depletion, waste generation, and a high carbon footprint.
In contrast, Circular Monday offers an effective alternative: promoting thoughtful consumption where the goal is not to accumulate but to consume only what is necessary, extend the lifespan of goods, and reduce pressure on natural resources.
How Circular Monday works
The movement operates through a global platform that brings together companies, organizations, and content creators offering products or services based on circular principles.
Participating is simple: companies register in an international directory and must demonstrate that their activity follows circular economy values (reuse, repair, rental, refurbishment, recycling, etc.). Once approved, they join the official listing, gaining visibility among consumers, partners, and media.
According to the organization, in 2024 more than 1,300 companies, organizations, and content creators participated across 40+ countries.
Institutional support: example in Spain
This year, the initiative received institutional backing. In the Canary Islands, for instance, the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Energy organized an event around Circular Monday to highlight the progress of its 2024–2026 Circular Economy Action Plan.
The intervention emphasized that circularity is not just an ecological matter but also an economic opportunity: reducing waste, saving costs, boosting innovation, and creating green jobs.
Governmental support demonstrates that sustainability can be integrated institutionally, not just individually, showing a real path toward a more responsible economy.
Real benefits of circular consumption
Adopting a Circular Monday approach is not just an ecological trend; it offers tangible benefits for both the planet and people:
- Reduce waste: Extending the lifespan of goods through reuse, repair, or rental reduces waste generation.
- Lower ecological footprint: Less production, transport, and disposal reduces resource consumption and emissions.
- More ethical and sustainable economy: Choosing second-hand, repaired, or rented products promotes fair, often local or independent business models.
- Consumer empowerment: Moves away from impulse buying, encouraging reflection on what is truly needed.
- Boost circular innovation: Promotes the development of repair, rental, refurbishment, and recycling services and creates green jobs.
What you can do as a responsible consumer
To join the Circular Monday spirit, here are practical tips:
- Before buying: question the real need for the product. Do you need it or just because it’s on sale?
- Prioritize circular options: look for second-hand, refurbished, rental, or repairable products.
- Repair and reuse: fix broken or damaged items before discarding them; often, small repairs are enough.
- Support circular businesses: check Circular Monday directories, local shops, and responsible suppliers.
- Spread the message: talking to friends, family, or your community about responsible consumption helps change mindsets.
Why your home and community matter
Every purchasing decision impacts resources, waste, transport, energy, and emissions. When multiplied across many people, this impact grows. Adopting circular models reduces environmental pressure and promotes a sustainable, conscious lifestyle — core values of hogarecofriendly.com.
By promoting this philosophy in your community, you can inspire others to question traditional consumerism, value durable products, repair instead of discard, reduce waste, and choose ethically.
