Pimp Your Finances

I stumbled across an interesting concept recently.  It’s “Buy Nothing Day“, taking place on Friday, November 28th.  The idea is that for all 24 hours of Black Friday, you will not spend any money or buy anything.  The name is obvious – but what about the goal?

To stop and think about what and how much we buy effects the environment, our own well-being and people in developing countries. By participating in the global BND, you make a statement for a new kind of lifestyle, culture and politics:

- A personal life that is not just about making and spending money

- A public culture that is diverse and open for many ideas and concerns, not dominated by pro-shopping messages

- Politics based on global peace and fairness, and true cost economics (not neo-classical GDP economics)

I know it sounds a bit extreme, but don’t jump to conclusions.  It’s not a protest.  After all, people will just buy/spend more on the day before and after.  This seems to be more of a wake up call – to think about the consequences of our actions, especially our consumption.  Their homepage even acknowledges that people will buy things on other days.  They’re just trying to create synergy.

If you don’t appreciate the goals of Buy Nothing Day, I hope you can still recognize the benefits of not spending any money for a day.  Most people (and companies) have been spending wrecklessly for too long.  You don’t have to agree with its ideals to reap the benefits.

Instead of going out to the malls, spend a day at home with family and friends.  Appreciate how much you enjoy their company, and how lucky you are to have them.  Play a game or watch a movie that you already own.  Cook some food that is already in your house.

Buy Nothing Day is not about a revolution.  It’s about being a person first, and a consumer second, if only for a day.  I think we could all benefit from it.