If you read my post last week about how important it is to be thoughtful about what you purchase, then you might be able to imagine how unbelievably ill the holiday season of over-consumption makes me. Particularly the insanity around Black Friday.
There’s an alternative – a way to speak out against the mindless mass-consumerism that seems to possess our country around the holidays: Buy Nothing Day.
It all starts with a personal challenge: make a vow to yourself to participate in Buy Nothing Day this year … you just might have an unexpected epiphany!
Join millions of others on November 23/24 and see what it feels like to stop consuming for 24 hours. Go cold turkey from consumer culture completely!Like those who have accepted this magical invitation before you, you may be rewarded with a life-changing shift of perspective – a glimpse into how to consume less and live more on this precarious Planet of ours …
Could you do it? Spend at least one day this year purchasing and consuming absolutely nothing? I sincerely hope those readers out there that are truly concerned about the fate of our planet, will strongly consider taking this pledge, and using their (un)buying power to speak out.
Additionally, Another Jennifer posted about Giving Tuesday, a way to not just avoid the mindlessness of holiday buying, but a way to tap into the true spirit of giving.
Imagine the power of your consumer’s voice if you pledged to both Buy Nothing on Black Friday, and then took the further step of Giving on Tuesday. It’s time we reclaimed the holiday season, and told the mega-corporations that are trying to run our country (and our lives) that we won’t buy in. Will you participate?
I’m in! I absolutely hate Black Friday.
Thanks so much for sharing the info on #GivingTuesday. It’s a great initiative that has great partners, like the UN Foundation. I hope both catch on!
Awesome! I hope so too…
Hey, check this blog post out from a local sustainable goods store in my neighborhood: http://shiftofmaine.com/closed-on-black-friday/.
Oh my goodness, that’s amazing. I’m going to have to share that…
I usually don’t have the extra money on Black Friday and avoid the bedlam anyways.
Kathy
http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com
Yeah, we’re in that boat too, so just as good a reason for us!
I love #GivingTuesday, but this year I’m joining the Black Friday throngs instead of fighting them. I’m banding together with other small crafters for an online event we’re calling Onyx Friday. We hope that as people start their holiday purchases, they will consider the small, independent crafter instead of immediately going for the mass-produced item made in Thailand sold in Wal-Mart.
It’s a thought, a hope, a wish.
I love the idea of supporting small crafters on Black Friday – anything to thwart the box stores. 🙂 Hope your holiday season is successful!