Buy Nothing Day

Buy Nothing Day is an international day of protest against consumerism, observed annually as a sabbatical from purchasing goods and services. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness about the consequences of excessive consumption, which contributes to environmental damage and perpetuates social inequality. By temporarily withholding their purchasing power, participants hope to encourage retailers and manufacturers alike to reconsider the ethics and sustainability of their actions.

The concept behind Buy Nothing Day was first introduced by Vancouver-based artist Ted Dave in September 1992 and subsequently promoted by the Canadian magazine Adbusters. Despite its origins, the observance has gained considerable traction in the United Kingdom with a number of citizens, retail workers, and environmentalists participating in the event, which ties in with UK's growing focus on environmentalism and sustainability. In the United Kingdom, Buy Nothing Day urges participants to reflect on their shopping habits, question the necessity of certain purchases and consider the environmental impact or labour conditions in the production and trade processes.

To observe Buy Nothing Day in the United Kingdom, participants are encouraged to avoid shopping and engage in activities that promote sustainable consumption, such as repairing or repurposing items, sharing resources within the community and raising awareness through discussions with friends and family. Some individuals and organisations organise events, including DIY and repair workshops, clothes swaps and free community meals to foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual aid. In the United Kingdom, Buy Nothing Day takes place on the last Saturday of November, coinciding with the American Black Friday shopping frenzy.