Each year, the Story of Stuff Community participates in Buy Nothing Day, an active form of protest against Black Friday, the holiday of waste and overconsumption.
Typically, we’d recommend that you spend your time, energy, and money on shared experiences with the people that matter most, like going to a concert, having a picnic, or spending time in nature.
But this year, with prohibitions on gathering with others and small businesses fighting to survive, we’re challenging you to Buy Nothing, with a small asterisk: If you must purchase gifts, avoid monopolies like Amazon and other giant retailers and choose to support small and locally owned businesses, particularly those owned by women and people of colour.
Break the consumer cycle and take the Buy Nothing pledge.
The Buy Nothing pledge:
“This year, I choose to break the consumer cycle and join millions of people around the world celebrating Buy Nothing Day. Instead of blindly shopping for more Stuff, I will take action to make a positive change in my community and make informed buying decisions that consider human and environmental costs.”
By signing up, you are committing to at least 3 of the following pledges:
- I pledge to borrow, rent, or buy used before buying new.
- I pledge to support small and locally owned businesses over retail monopolies like Amazon.
- I pledge to watch and share videos that educate people about the effects of overconsumption.
- I pledge to host a virtual screening of meaningful and educational documentaries.
- I pledge to donate to a nonprofit organisation or charity.
- I pledge to give back to my community through remote volunteering opportunities.
- I pledge to get involved in local and/or national environmental and social justice campaigns.
- I pledge to educate my friends and family about Buy Nothing Day.
