To buy, or not to buy...
Everything we buy has an impact on the environment, Buy Nothing Day highlights the environmental and ethical consequences of consumerism. The developed countries - only 20% of the world population are consuming over 80% of the earth's natural resources, causing a disproportionate level of environmental damage, and an unfair distribution of wealth.
As consumers we need to question the products we buy and challenge the companies who produce them. What are the true risks to the environment and developing countries? The argument is infinite - while it continues we should be looking for simple solutions and Buy Nothing Day is a good place to start.
No purchase necessary!
Saturday November 27th 2010 will be the next Buy Nothing Day (UK). It's a day where you challenge yourself, your family and friends to switch off from shopping and tune into life. The rules are simple, for 24 hours you will detox from shopping and anyone can take part provided they spend a day without spending!
People around the UK will make a pact with themselves to take a break from consumption as a personal experiment or public statement and the best thing is - IT'S FREE!!!
Look around the website - for a quick start read the FAQ page. If you want to take part in Buy Nothing Day more actively, which is far more fun, then you may want to organise an event - take a look at the TOOLKIT for info and ideas. Follow Buy Nothing Day UK on TWITTER and check the EVENTS page. If there are no events near you organise one, email the details and we'll put them on the events page.
All spin and no substance - play the game from Green Thing.
Buy Nothing Day postcards are back!!!
We're e-cycling or postcards, so you can tell all your friends about Buy Nothing Day, send them a POSTCARD, the quickest way to spread some frugal love!
Participate by not participating!
Of course, Buy Nothing Day isn't about changing your lifestyle for just one day - we want it to be a lasting relationship with you consumer conscience - maybe a life changing experience? We want people to make a commitment to consuming less, recycling more and challenging companies to clean up and be fair. The supermarket or shopping mall might offer great choice, but this shouldn't be at the cost of the environment or developing countries.
Happy 10th Buy Nothing Day!
Buy Nothing Day started in North America in the early 90's and has grown to an international day celebrated in over 50 countries. The Buy Nothing Day UK website went online in January 2000. We're not quite 10 years old, but on November 28th 2009 Buy Nothing Day became 10 days young - another reason to celebrate the frugal festival. Things have changed over the years - click here to see...
Ask yourself these simple questions:
Do I need it?
How many do I already have?
How much will I use it?
How long will it last?
Could I borrow it from a friend or family member?
Am I able to clean and/or maintain it myself?
Will I be able to repair it?
Am I willing to?
Have I researched it to get the best quality for the best price?
How will I dispose of it when I'm done using it?
Are the resources that went into it renewable or nonrenewable?
Is it made from recycled materials, and is it recyclable?
Buy Nothing Day - Runner Up in the Green Web Awards...
Buy Nothing Day came runner up in the tough category of Online Campaigns in the 2009 Green Web Awards. Thanks to everyone who voted for Buy Nothing Day - maybe 2010 will be our year..?