The grassroots campaign of Buy Nothing Day, which started in Canada and has been promoted by Adbusters Magazine, is a social protest to resist the temptation of answering the bombardment of paper, radio, television, and internet advertisements for deep discounts on various products the day after Thanksgiving. Given the current economic climate of retail right now, many retail businesses have already begun their perceived deep holiday discounts. Having worked in retail for over ten years, I know all too well the stress of customer’s expectations and the company’s expectations on this weekend.
I do want to suggest, however, to add the phrase, “without thought”, to the grassroots campaign. If you’re going to spend, consider yourself and ask, “How’s your savings account?”. Perhaps you need to pay yourself more by contributing to it or starting one. Have some extra cash? Consider a gift to your local food bank/pantry (or similar charity), community health clinic, or pick up a couple of blankets for a local winter garment drive. Spending cash online? Consider a donation to your favorite open source application (Wikipedia, Creative Commons, Mozilla Foundation, etc) or podcaster/blogger. So many programs we use and enjoy daily can be obtained for free use/entertainment and there’s only a request for donation. Have you made that donation yet?
The drive for consumerism in North America is far too strong to me to believe that nothing will be purchased today or this weekend. For many of us, it is a social, as well as fiscal, tradition. So my suggestion is to think about why you’re buying what you’re buying. With consideration, your spending could add to the gathering clutter in your life or help support a cause further than this current holiday season.
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