Vancouver teen climate group protests Black Friday shopping

Summary

Susatanabiliteens Vancouver staged a flash mob at Pacific Centre in downtown Vancouver

In addition to the flash mob, the group organized a clothing swap as an alternative to shopping

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Metro Vancouver teens skipped school to hit the mall this Black Friday, but they weren’t bargain hunting.

Susatanabiliteens Vancouver staged a flash mob at Pacific Centre in downtown Vancouver.

“We are here to take a stand against Black Friday: a symbol of the unchecked consumerism that fuels the climate crisis,” says spokesperson Samantha Lin. “We aren’t blaming individuals for needing to buy things — instead, we’re creating our own alternatives to this wasteful, unsustainable system. Dancing in the mall and in the street is a zero-cost, zero-carbon source of joy. We’re demonstrating what a sustainable world can look like: full of joy like this.”

In addition to the flash mob, the group organized a clothing swap.

“Clothing production and distribution contributes to over 10 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, as well as human rights violations,” according to the group.

Organizers with Idle no More led a round dance in the intersection outside the mall.

“The round dance represents unity and healing, and the beat of the drum represents the heartbeat of the community,” says Casey Desjarlais. “Together we gather to create a circle of strength, inviting one another to participate in the building of a healthy environment for us all.”

Youth-led climate demonstrations took place across the country.