Buy Nothing Day

With shoppers getting into the Christmas swing, the last Saturday in November is a retailer's wet dream. But since 1992, Buy Nothing Day has encouraged us to go cold turkey on our consumption habit and leave our wallets at home. Could you handle the ultimate stop-shopping challenge?

What is Buy Nothing Day?

Buy Nothing Day aims to challenge consumer culture by asking us to switch off from shopping for 24 hours and protest against the evils of over-consumption. It was created by the founders of Adbusters and is now an international event celebrated in over 55 countries.

When is Buy Nothing Day?

Saturday 24^th November 2012.

Why should I take part?

Buy Nothing Day aims to expose the environmental and ethical consequences of over-consumption in the Western world. Just 20% of the earth's population is responsible for using over 80% of its natural resources. The result? An unfair distribution of wealth, leading to poverty, poor access to healthcare and clean water and serious environmental damage. Do you want fries with that?

Buy Nothing Day also exists to make us more aware of what goes on behind the label of our favourite brands. Globalisation means big business has moved manufacturing to developing countries, taking advantage of cheap labour and poor worker's rights in order to save money on operating costs and wages.

Taking part in Buy Nothing Day is not just about leaving your wallet at home. It's also a commitment to consuming less, recycling more and challenging corporations to clean up and be fair. We all do it sometimes - shopping for the hell of it, to fit in with our mates or for retail therapy when we're feeling low. By participating in Buy Nothing Day, the idea is that you see how easy it can be not to shop, hopefully becoming a considerate consumer all year round.