Lock up your wallets and purses, cut up your credit cards and dump the love of your life - shopping.
Saturday November 26th 2011 will be the next Buy Nothing Day (UK). It's a day where you challenge yourself, your family and friends to switch off from shopping and tune into life. The rules are simple, for 24 hours you will detox from shopping and anyone can take part provided they spend a day without spending!
Everything we buy has an impact on the environment, Buy Nothing Day highlights the environmental and ethical consequences of consumerism. The developed countries - only 20% of the world population are consuming over 80% of the earth's natural resources, causing a disproportionate level of environmental damage, and an unfair distribution of wealth.
As consumers we need to question the products we buy and challenge the companies who produce them. What are the true risks to the environment and developing countries? We all know recycling is OK for the the environment, but consuming less is better and Buy Nothing Day is a great way to start.
No purchase necessary!
People around the UK will make a pact with themselves to take a break from consumption as a personal experiment or public statement and the best thing is - IT'S FREE!!!
For a quick start to Buy Nothing Day read the FAQpage. If you want to take part in more actively, which is far more fun, then you may want to organise an event - take a look at the TOOLKIT for info and ideas and check the EVENTS page. If there are no events near you - organise one! Get social and follow Buy Nothing Day UK on TWITTER.
Participate by not participating!
Of course, Buy Nothing Day isn't about changing your lifestyle for just one day - we want it to be a lasting relationship with you consumer conscience - maybe a life changing experience? We want people to make a commitment to consuming less, recycling more and challenging companies to clean up and be fair. The supermarket or shopping mall might offer great choice, but this shouldn't be at the cost of the environment or developing countries.
Plan ahead - Buy Nothing Day 2012 is Saturday November 24th.
