by Ron McLinden
Friday, November 23, is “Buy Nothing Day.”
The day was established several years ago by some maverick folks in the advertising industry to make a statement about our society’s over-indulgence in consumer goods. They selected the day after Thanksgiving, traditional start of the “holiday shopping season.”
This year, in a period of economic downturn, and with further uncertainty in the wake of the September 11 attacks by suicidal terrorists, we are being encouraged to go about our lives as usual, and especially to keep buying to keep our economy strong.
There is nothing patriotic about throwing money around. However, one can be patriotic and frugal and environmentally responsible, all at the same time. If it’s time to replace the family car or refrigerator or washing machine, this is a great time to do so – provided you take the opportunity to choose the most energy-efficient model available. Replacing your most frequently-used incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents is always a wise choice. If you’re more adventurous, check into solar panels.
Reducing your future demand for energy is patriotic.
As for Buy Nothing Day, by all means observe it. For further inspiration check the BND website, www.adbusters.org. By choosing not to play the consumer game on that day you will at the very least help reduce traffic congestion.