November 24: Happy Buy Nothing Day

Here is a great article on this day written 5 years ago -- http://alternet.org/story/11901/.  I especially liked this paragraph:

"If you don't really need the big box's trinkets, find some better more productive use for your shopping dollar. Buy locally produced goods and services that employ your neighbors at living wages while having a minimal impact on the environment. Spend your money this holiday season supporting musicians and artists. Go to clubs. Buy art. Patronize struggling inner-city businesses. Spend money at local restaurants and leave generous tips.

Don't buy an SUV -- instead spend the money to insulate your house. Buy a fuel-efficient hybrid car. Install a solar collector. Buy organic produce at a farmer's market. Visit an independent bookstore and buy a book. Buy used clothes. Have your house painted. Plant a tree. Donate to a Peace Center. Treat yourself to a professional massage or have an acupuncturist tune you up for the winter. You get the idea. Spend your money in a way that it will stimulate the local economy, not aggravate the global economy."

If you have already bought something today the rest of the world celebrates on Saturday.  http://www.buynothingday.co.uk/