Every November, the promise of ‘unmissable deals’ takes over shop windows and online banners. From new electronics to fast fashion, Black Friday has become a global symbol of overconsumption, encouraging us to buy more and faster, often things we do not really need.

Yet behind these irresistible discounts, there is another hidden cost: toxic chemicals that may be, and usually are, present in everyday products we bring into our homes. Waterproof jackets treated with so-called forever chemicals, plastic bottles that release harmful plasticisers, children’s toys and pacifiers containing substances that can disrupt hormones or affect development. Such products are not exceptions. They represent a wider problem where the pressure for low prices and mass production often overrides the protection of human health and the environment.

Buying less and buying smarter is one of the simplest ways to reduce both environmental impact and exposure to hazardous chemicals. Whenever possible, look for quality over quantity, check for product certifications and support companies that are transparent about their chemical policies.

Black Friday can also be an opportunity to rethink our habits. Do we really need another ‘must-have’ item, or could we repair, borrow or buy second-hand instead? True sustainability is not only about how much we buy. It is also about how carefully we choose what we bring into our homes, our bodies and our environment. 

Do you want to do even more for yourself and your household? Fill-in the CheckED webtool and find out where is the biggest risk of exposure from home equipment or what daily habits to change to prevent the exposure to most toxic endocrine disruptors.