The Maroon Bells, near Aspen, Colorado

© Christopher E. Herbert/Getty Image

Opt outside today

Instead of rushing to the shops today for Black Friday deals, perhaps you could make it a Green Friday and find treasure in a nearby park or wilderness like the Maroon Bells near Aspen, Colorado pictured here. A few years ago, outdoor retailer Recreational Equipment, Inc. made news by closing its doors on the biggest shopping day of the year and encouraging its employees and customers to 'Opt Outside' and spend time with their families instead. And while there is still no shortage of shopping options available to the intrepid Black Friday deal-hunter, a growing number of organisations have gotten behind this concept of Green Friday.