It may seem counterintuitive to write about a day off from consuming during the busiest shopping time of the year, but perhaps it’s actually the perfect time. As we start to get swept away in the season of giving, let’s step back and have a look at what the holidays truly mean—and how our shopping habits can contribute to a longer-lasting, unintentional effect.
This Saturday 29th November marks Buy Nothing Day in the UK, a campaign started by Canada-based Adbusters back in the early 90s to increase awareness of consumerism and its global impact on both the environment and working conditions. The campaign has now grown to be an internationally recognized event celebrated worldwide.
To Shop or Not To Shop
Buy Nothing Day isn’t anti-shopping; in fact, Adbusters support shopping locally and ethically. Every time a product is bought at a local retailer, 50 percent of the sale goes back into the community, encouraging a thriving and sustainable model.
However, currently 20 percent of the world’s population consumes 80 percent of the world’s resources. Buy Nothing Day wants to raise awareness of the mass consumption trap we have fallen into, as well as to highlight the unjust and detrimental labour and environmental practices of many large corporations.
What To Do
The beauty of Buy Nothing Day is that you don’t need to do anything, except resist the temptation to shop. Spend the day with your friends and family. Go through your closet and get reacquainted with your clothes—you might discover some items you forgot! Clear out your pantry and cook up some concoction, take the kids to the park, or go for a walk—just remember to pack your homemade snacks!
Most of all think about how you consume. For example, if you really love that morning ritual of coffee at your local café, perhaps grab a travel mug and have your barista fill that up instead of a disposable cup. When you’re shopping for Christmas, forego the chain stores and try to find that ideal gift at a local shop instead.
What to Expect
Besides feeling a little richer, you might also notice a shift in consciousness. Changing our spending patterns isn’t easy, especially in our ‘retail therapy’-driven culture, but Buy Nothing Day is about trying to be more aware of the impact our purchases have in the grander scheme and what that means for our children’s generation.
So we challenge you. Can you buy nothing this Saturday?
We’d love to hear what you did and how you celebrated.
