Buy Nothing Day

Buy Nothing Day is an informal day of protest against consumerism observed by social activists. It was founded by Vancouver artist Ted Dave and subsequently promoted by the Canadian Adbusters magazine. Participants boycott purchasing anything for 24 hours in a concentrated display of anti-consumerism. The event is intended to raise awareness of what some see as the wasteful consumption habits of First World countries. Activists may also participate in culture jamming activities like the Whirl-Mart and other forms of radical expression. It is also used to protest materialism and bandwagon appeals.

In the United States and Canada, supporters demonstrate on the day after American Thanksgiving. This day, often called "Black Friday," is one of the busiest shopping days of the year (although this is not so in Canada, the date remains there to synchronize events). "BND occurs in Canada and the United States on the day after the fourth Thursday of November each year (the day after the annual US Thanksgiving gorge and a major shopping spree) -- while in the rest of the world it takes place on the following Saturday (a major consumer event starting the run-up to Xmas, etc.)"

Related topics

 * Simple living

Related Wikipedia content

 * Affluenza

International links

 * The Buy Nothing Day site through the Adbusters Media Foundation
 * I(nternational) Buy Nothing Day" - information and support for your BND

External links by place

 * Buy Nothing Day (UK)