As commercial companies tried yesterday to foist 'Black Friday on us, an American import supposed to mark the beginning of pre-Christmas consumption, Ad Buster publicised their Buy Nothing Day which took place today. LINK
They stress that the day isn't anti-shopping as such or anti small shops but about creating awareness about the effect of consumption on the environment and its basic inequality.
This is how they explain the Day:
It's time to lock up your wallets and purses, cut up your credit cards and dump the love of your life - shopping.
Saturday November 30th 2013 is 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!
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.
I wonder if we should celebrate this at the Wembley's London Designer Outlet next year?