036: Top Tip Thursday, Black Friday with Mariska Nell
In this episode, I will be sharing with you what exactly is Black Friday and how it has turned into the biggest shopping day of the year. We also look at some companies like Patagonia that is sending the message that you should not purchase anything unless you need it. Even if the items in on sale. I will take a little recap to Bea Johnson’s 5 R’s and how they can help you avoid purchasing items you might regret afterwards.
Episode Highlights
[01:01] Black Friday 2018 is expected to be bigger than ever. More than 70% of Americans are planning to open their wallets and to make purchases on Black Friday. The average spending of an adult in the US is expected to be $483.18. This will add up to $90.14 billion for the US, Up a whopping $30.57 billion from 2017’s projected spend of $59.57 billion.
[02:30] The average man’s spend is estimated to be around $626.44 and the average woman estimated would be around $342.50.
[03:28] It is estimated that 52% of people purchases made on the black Friday sale was regretted shortly after.
[04:07] One of those companies is Patagonia. They have run a number of successful campaigns where they encourage people not to purchase things that they do not need. One of the campaigns I would like to mention was a full page add in the New York Times. The add had large text on the page “Don’t buy this jacket” with an image of one of their jackets.
[04:55] Not only have Patagonia made people aware not to purchase items that they do not need, but they have also committed from 2016 to donate 100% of the sales made on Black Friday to grassroots organizations, working to create positive change for the planet in their own backyards.
[05:29] Can you still remember the 5R’s that we have talked about previously? REFUSE, REUSE, REDUCE, RECYCLE and ROT.
Key Take Away
“Don’t buy this jacket”
This advertisement from Patagonia really inspired me as it is great to see that there are companies out there that is not just in it for the money but to do good as well. It is very easy to go to the different stores and to purchase all of the items that we see on sale but when we take a moment to think whether we really needed the items we are often filled with regret of purchasing it. Therefore even during a hectic sale season like black Friday, practice your 5 R’s and refuse all the items that you do not need.
About the author, Mariska
Hi, I’m Mariska – podcast host, artist, sustainability advocate and consultant, and storyteller driven by a deep passion for our planet. Sustainability isn’t just a topic I discuss; it’s a way of life I embody through my work, actions, and everyday choices.
My journey began several years ago when I started experimenting with trash as a medium in my artwork. What began as creative curiosity quickly turned into a deep dive into the environmental impact of waste. That curiosity expanded into a broader connection with nature—including a life-changing trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, where I found both clarity and purpose. It was there that I made the decision to leave the corporate world behind and commit fully to environmental work.
In 2018, I took that message public in the UAE by wearing every piece of trash I generated for 30 days. The result—65 kilograms of waste—sparked national conversations around sustainability and waste reduction. That bold experiment also became the catalyst for my podcast, Mama Earth Talk, where I’ve since connected with global thought leaders to explore sustainability and inspire meaningful action.
Over the years, I’ve collaborated with organizations such as Nespresso, Costa, and Dubai International Airport to implement practical and impactful environmental solutions. From optimizing waste management systems to leading awareness campaigns, I specialize in designing strategies that create real, lasting change.
My artwork—blending environmental advocacy with creative expression—has been collected by public figures including comedian Trevor Noah, environmentalist Adrian Grenier, entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, radio host Kris Fade, Grammy Award-winning DJ Black Coffee, and NBA player Mason Plumlee. Through public speaking, podcasting, and art, I aim to inspire individuals and organizations to rethink their relationship with the environment.
With over a decade of international experience in design and project management across Australia, South Africa, the UK, India, and the UAE, I bring a unique mix of creativity and strategic insight to sustainability challenges. My global perspective allows me to collaborate across cultures, drive innovation, and empower others to make a meaningful impact.
As a lifelong learner and passionate advocate, I focus on practical, holistic solutions to environmental challenges—guided by systems thinking and a deep commitment to action. I hold a BA in Design, a postgraduate degree in Environmental Science, and a Master’s in Sustainable Design.