#PlanetNotForSale

They are the biggest sales and shopping days of the year. On Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and throughout the holiday season, it's hard not to join in. Shoppers will seek out the best deals and companies will rely on these days to meet important earnings.

But 2020 has been a different - and challenging - year. While big sales continue, we want to approach this Black Friday differently. Because every action we take, even taking part in Black Friday, has a direct impact on our planet. 

Coya is celebrating Black Friday 2020 by taking greater responsibility for our actions and our planet. With PlanA, we are joining the #planetnotforsale movement - and you can too!‍

Join #planetnotforsale‍

This Black Friday, be part of #planetnotforsale! Our collective action (or inaction) can make a difference. Instead weekend, you can:

1. ‍Recycle and Reuse. Get creative and find new uses for the stuff you already have. With a little love and a fresh look (and maybe a bit of help from Pinterest), items around your house can be repurposed as gifts (for others or yourself). ‍
2. Regift. It’s not just for people looking to save! Re-gift items that are important to you - like a book or picture frame. This type of present may be more meaningful for the recipient.‍
3. Do something else. Go for a walk. Cook a new recipe. Host a virtual get-together. These activities can be as fun and as exciting as something new. They also make for great memories and gifts.‍
4. Be local. When shopping for those special items, support your local business. You’ll be able to keep your money in your community, helping others who call your neighborhood home. Plus, shopping locally ensures that nearby shops remain open and reduces the carbon footprint of goods - and your own movement.
5. ‍Share. Encourage your friends and family to be green(er) this Black Friday. Take a picture of yourself being sustainable. Share it on social media with #planetnotforsale to tell others.

Why #planetnotforsale and why now?

Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and holiday shopping sprees can result in overconsumption. We understand; it can be hard to resist huge discounts or the opportunity to buy gifts (for yourself or loved ones) that you might not otherwise be able to afford.

But often during this giant shopping season, we buy items we do not truly need or replace goods that are still perfectly good.

Our consumption of electronics and fashion items have a direct impact on the planet. When we buy new products, our old ones may end up in a landfill. The mass production of these items to satisfy consumer demand damages the environment.

According to the UN:

• Every second, the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles is landfilled or burned.
• 93 billion cubic meters of water, enough for 5 million people to survive, is used by the fashion industry every year.
• More than 44 million tonnes of electronic and electrical waste was produced globally in 2017. That is equal to over six kilograms for every person on the planet.
• Less than 20% of e-waste is formally recycled.

sources UN Environmental impact of fashion industry and UN report to tackle challenge of e-waste

Companies also play into the dangerous Black Friday consequences. We fight to offer the best prices and tell the most customers about the savings. Coya has hosted our own #BlackFriYEAH sales opportunity, giving our biggest discount on insurance.

We know that shoppers and businesses benefit from holiday sales. Customers are able to buy items or gifts they really wanted or have really saved for. Shops rely on the extra business to keep their doors open and employ their staff.

There is a balance to enjoying the season of giving and receiving - and what is best for the planet. #planetnotforsale can help all of us think before we shop and sell. And once we can identify our role in the Black Friday or Cyber Monday impact on our planet, we can begin to take action.

Thank you for joining Coya’s sustainability pledge on Black Friday - and year-round.

‍You can still save €15 on Coya Insurance if you are looking for a sale!