A new campaign aimed at promoting mindful consumption by decreasing purchases has been launched by the Movement for Social Change, a progressive think tank and campaign organization.
The Friday after Thanksgiving was dubbed “Buy Nothing Day” by the artist Ted Dave in 1992 as a protest to the shopping day known as Black Friday. But a new campaign aims to bring that concept to every first Friday of the month — targeting our modern overconsumption habits.
The “Buy Nothing” Day campaign encourages individuals to refrain from purchasing anything for one day each month. The campaign aims to reduce the negative impact of consumerism and overconsumption on the environment, social inequality, and waste.
According to a spokesperson for the Movement for Social Change (MSC), “Consumerism and overconsumption are major contributors to environmental degradation, social inequality and waste. By taking part in ‘Buy Nothing’ Day, individuals can challenge the notion that our worth is tied to our ability to consume and take a small but significant step towards reducing their environmental footprint and promoting more sustainable ways of living.”
The campaign will take place on the first Friday of each month, and individuals are called upon to commit to not purchasing anything for the entire day. Participants are encouraged to find creative and sustainable ways to meet their needs without purchasing new products and to reflect on the impact of consumerism and capitalism on their lives and communities. They are also urged to share their commitment on social media using the hashtag #BuyNothingDay.
MSC believes that “Buy Nothing” Day is not just an opportunity for individuals to reduce their environmental impact, but also a chance to make a commitment to more mindful and sustainable living while resisting the harmful effects of consumerism and capitalism on society. The organization is excited to launch this campaign and looks forward to working with partners around the world to promote a more sustainable and just future for all.
MSC says that ‘Buy Nothing’ Day is an opportunity for individuals to “consider their consumption habits, reduce their environmental impact, and make a commitment to more mindful and sustainable living, but also to resist the harmful effects of consumerism and capitalism on our societies.”
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