Hark, the Herald Tribune sings,
Advertising wondrous things.
God rest ye merry merchants,
May ye make the Yuletide pay.
Angels we have heard on high,
Tell us to go out and buy!
Christmas is coming and the Chief Executives are getting fat. The sanitised anaesthatised nonsense is nearly upon us again. I have always felt it would be far more sensible to do things the other way round - be absolutely despicable to each other on Christmas day and then really nice to each other the other 364 days. That would seem to make much more sense.
Anyway, if you want to try and do something about the horrible corporate festival that precedes what may be a nice meal with your family - or indeed, if you want to do something about the horrible corporate festival that is life these days, then you could try and do something for BUY NOTHING DAY.
Buy Nothing Day is the "the self proclaimed festival of frugal living and culture jammers jamboree. It's a day where you challenge yourself, your family and friends to switch off from shopping and tune into life. Celebrated as a holiday by some, a street party by others - anyone can take part provided they spend a day without spending!
The challenge is to try simple living for a day, spend time with family and friends, rather than spend money on them. People make a pact with themselves to take a break from shopping as a personal experiment or public statement and the best thing is - IT'S FREE!!!"
There are events in at least 17 countries and if there aren't any in your country then set them up. On the website there are ideas for things you can do to get you started. Follow this link to
find out more www.buynothingday.co.uk
As they say on the website...
"Buy Nothing Day exposes 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 unfair distribution of wealth.
As consumers we need to question the products we buy and challenge the companies who produce them. What are the true risks to the environment and developing countries? The argument is broad and deep - while it continues we should be looking for simple solutions - Buy Nothing Day is a good place to start. Of course, Buy Nothing Day isn't about changing your lifestyle for just one day - we want it to be a lasting relationship - maybe a life changing experience?
We want people to make a commitment to consuming less, recycling more and challenging companies to clean up and be fair. The supermarket or shopping mall might offer choice, but this shouldn't be at the cost of the environment or developing countries."
So do something for Buy Nothing Day, or at least, don't buy anything - it might be the best thing you can do for this Christmas.
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Fair play. Michael is correct, and so are those he illuminates!