From Black Friday to Circular Monday
When the way we think about consumption changes
Black Friday is the biggest sale of the year. This “holiday” originated in the US in the 1980s and today is a symbol not only of cheap Christmas gifts, but above all of excessive consumption, waste, misleading advertising and adverse environmental impacts. Try something different this year and join the Circular Monday initiative instead of Black Friday. Not only will you save yourself the stress of the shopping frenzy, but you will also reduce the impact of Christmas on the planet.
From discounts to responsibility
Christmas sales are attractive to some people, but more and more customers are seeing them negatively . Some of the data about Black Friday is truly worrying:
- Up to 80% of products purchased during Black Friday are thrown away after a few uses .
- Up to 33% of purchased products are returned, which can generate up to 30% more emissions per item than the original delivery.
- Between Black Friday and New Year’s, household waste in the US increases by 25% , with packaging often not being recycled.
- It is estimated that up to 429,000 tonnes of CO₂ will be emitted during Black Friday from product transport alone , the equivalent of 435 return flights from London to New York.
Circular Monday is a widely recognized global movement that originated in Sweden in response to the negative impacts of Christmas on the planet. It is celebrated every year on the Monday before Black Friday, this year on November 24, 2025 .
Its main idea is to reject excessive and linear consumption, which is promoted by Black Friday. Circular Monday, as the name suggests, is based on the idea of a circular economy and promotes responsible and moderate Christmas shopping and recycling.
Circular Monday aims to reduce waste during Christmas, reduce consumption and use resources more efficiently . During the day, responsible retailers come together to offer their sustainable goods at a discount. You can buy recycled products, second-hand goods, or use repair, rental and sharing services.
Our company philosophy is also based on the principles of the circular economy.
Renting sustainable workwear instead of buying it significantly reduces the amount of textile waste by allowing individual pieces to be used repeatedly. Thanks to our services, you don’t have to buy workwear or deal with what to do with unused or discarded pieces – we take care of everything for you, with maximum respect for the environment.
How to participate in Circular Monday?
Anyone can support this initiative by actively participating, purchasing from responsible companies and retailers, or sharing information with the hashtag #circularmonday .
But data is an important step towards real change. You can calculate your carbon footprint with the Climate Hero personal calculator . Just enter a few details and within 5 minutes you will find out how your life impacts the environment and what you can easily improve. You may be surprised to learn that even a small change in your habits can have a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Of course, companies can also participate in Circular Monday , even if they do not offer eco-friendly products themselves . You can, for example, buy recycled corporate gifts for clients and employees, organise a Christmas swap, donate unwanted property to non-profit organisations or reuse platforms, or organise an educational seminar and upcycling workshop for employees.
Your suppliers are also key to sustainability. During Circular Monday, you can partner with a local zero-waste catering company or start renting equipment instead of buying it .
If you decide to rent Lindström workwear, you will not only demonstrably reduce your carbon footprint, but in the eLindström application we will also calculate the specific environmental benefits of our services . Thanks to this, you will increase your reputation with customers and employees who care more about sustainability than you might think.
Norstat study shows that employees demand higher environmental standards in the workplace
Companies and employers are interested in the findings of the Norstat agency, which conducted an extensive survey among employees in 11 countries.
At Lindström, we produce, clean, maintain, repair and recycle workwear in an environmentally friendly manner , and we provide transparent data on all our processes. We are proud holders of the prestigious Ecovadis Platinum Medal, which places us among the top 1% of companies in the field of sustainability.
Circular economy in practice: every step counts
Black Friday is now a relic that has become a sad symbol of an irresponsible consumer society. Help create a new normal of conscious consumption and instead of impulsive Christmas shopping, join Circular Monday this year.
Environmental responsibility is about long-term change and should not end at Christmas . Companies can consider using circular services , effectively monitor their emissions and educate their employees. Sustainability for companies is far from just a legislative obligation. By implementing circular economy and cost-effective practices, you save money and time and increase your competitiveness . More and more consumers prefer ecological brands and are willing to pay more for them.
Everyone can act circularly and choose a sustainable lifestyle. All you need to do is calculate your carbon footprint , learn to shop wisely, and repair, rent, or share things whenever possible . Every step counts.