Buy Nothing Day
Buy Nothing Day
Buy Nothing Day is an informal day of protest against consumerism observed by social activists. It was founded by Vancouver artist Ted Dave and subsequently promoted by the Canadian Adbusters magazine. Participants refrain from purchasing anything for 24 hours in a concentrated display of consumer power. The event is intended to raise awareness of what some see as the wasteful consumption habits of First World countries. Activists may also participate in culture jamming activities like the Whirl-Mart and other forms of radical expression. It is also used to protest materialism and bandwagon appeals. In the United States and Canada, supporters demonstrate on the day after American Thanksgiving. This day, often called "Black Friday," is one of the busiest shopping days of the year (although this is not so in Canada, the date remains there to synchronize events). In other countries the demonstrations occur a day later. The anarcho-punk band, Chumbawamba, recorded a song on their 2004 album, "Un", entitled "Buy Nothing Day". It is about a man who, amid his consumerism and longing to own all the things he wants, is stated at one point to have literally contracted the illness Affluenza, inducing emotional depression and physical illness. After losing all his money on debts to buy more things that he is told he needs, he ends up deciding he does not need to buy anymore and sets himself this goal, to never venture into the high street again. The song ends with a white noise cut and an American radio presenter speaking the words "November 23 is Buy Nothing Day".
Criticisms
Because participants of Buy Nothing Day continue to consume items (such as food, gasoline, poster board) they must have then purchased these items on a previous day. In other words, protestors consumed items on "Buy Nothing Day" and bought them another, making the idea of buying nothing one day a purely technical distinction. Advocates argue that the event is still valid as it is meant to make people aware of their buying habits and their global impacts. More fundamental concerns about the event are similar to criticisms concerning other protestors of free trade and consumerism. Economists (Milton Friedman, Walter Williams, and many others) argue that free trade, by definition, is mutually beneficial and thus encourages peace and global understanding.
