Friday, November 28, 2008

Buy Nothing Day a/k/a Black Friday

Christmas Buying in a Time of Recession

Buy Nothing Day is an informal day of protest against consumerism observed by social activists. Typically celebrated the Friday after American Thanksgiving in North America and the following day internationally, in 2008 the dates will be November 28 and 29 respectively.[1] It was founded by Vancouver artist Ted Dave and subsequently promoted by the Canadian Adbusters magazine.

The first Buy Nothing Day was organized in Vancouver in September of 1992 "as a day for society to examine the issue of over-consumption."[2] In 1997, it was moved to the Friday after American Thanksgiving, which is one of the top 10 busiest shopping days in the United States. Outside of North America, Buy Nothing Day is celebrated on the following Saturday. Despite controversies, Adbusters managed to advertise Buy Nothing Day on CNN, but many other major television networks declined to air their ads.[3] Soon, campaigns started appearing in United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, Germany, New Zealand, Japan, the Netherlands, and Norway. Participation now includes more than 65 nations.[2]

While critics of the day charge that Buy Nothing Day simply causes participants to buy the next day,[4] Adbusters states that it "isn't just about changing your habits for one day" but "about starting a lasting lifestyle commitment to consuming less and producing less waste."[2] An example of an event celebrating Buy Nothing Day is a Buy Nothing Day hike.[5]

5 comments:

Shainzona said...

We're going to Buy Nothing this Entire Holiday Season...no gifts, just essentials. I'm actually looking forward to it so I can see how stupid I have been in past years, and how easy it is to live without all of the junk we accumulate (not to mention money down the drain!)

I have an idea for a new Thanksgiving tradition...eat nothing day. Seriously. We had our daughter and two of her university friends for dinner yesterday and they cooked and cooked and cooked. All very delicious and even nutritious. BUT the left-overs! I have called friends and we're doing a Left-Over Turkey Party tomorrow night just to get rid of all of our collective "left-overs" (Bring a turkey dish made from your left-over turkey.) Should be fun.

song! said...

Hello DJFingers!!

I dedicated this post to you. Will do no shopping today either1!

http://flyingmusic.wordpress.com/2008/11/28/perfect-day-o-world-i-cannot-hold-thee-close-enough-edna-st-vincent-millay/

Song

Cyn said...

Shainzona, I totally hear you. We are cutting way back and I'm trying to give small gifts that are meaningful or creative. I absolutely refuse to go to a Mall. Books, photo cards for grownup kids and art supplies for the little ones. My Christmas dinner will be toned down, too.

I love the Eat Nothing Day. By the third day after TG, I don't ever want to see another turkey...

Have fun at your Left Over party and if you come up with any fabulous makeover turkey dishes, don't forget to share them!

Cyn said...

Song, I love my dedication! You are too kind!

Everyone, get over to Song's place and hear the beautiful music and read the beautiful words. I guarantee that you will be totally rejuvenated.

song! said...

You are so welcome!! DJF. I realize that i meant to put a link to your site in my dedication.
Ha! I will do that now! have a perfect Evening!


love,

Song,