Buy Nothing Day Meaning
Payday seems to be the most exciting day for working people. They work hard earning the money, but it takes a little to no effort spending it. Some people say “money makes the world go around”, however, some say “money is the root of all evil”. Buy Nothing day just proves the meaning of those sayings. Due to the considered implications, a 24-hour consumer detox is not effective. The author’s most compelling point is Buy Nothing Day is a way to increase awareness of excessive consumption. Also, to expose the environmental and ethical consequences of overconsumption. It sure does make an awareness towards the people, but does it make a difference? “A day on which people are urged to purchase no goods”, but do they fulfill it? A consumer may
not buy a single thing on that day, but what about the next day? For example, fasting is a common thing for some religions. Some fastings includes no food, no technologies or even communicate with the outside world for days. However, after fasting is done, they consume double of the amount of the things they gave up for days. Consumers are the same, once Buy Nothing Day is over they go back to the same habit and maybe double the amount of what they gave up that day. At first glance, it appears that Buy Nothing Day will make such a difference. However, people do not acknowledge the complication it holds. The famous quote establishes that “money can’t buy happiness.” This quote is simply not the case when it comes to Buy Nothing Day. A day when an individual is urged to buy nothing, not even the stuff that is needed or wanted will make the consumers have the urge to buy something, anything. Unfortunately, this day proves that money can buy happiness. One should not confuse exposing the issue with actually doing something about the issue. People are complicated individuals. Everybody believes in the saying “Once it is gone, it is gone.” If they are told to go on 24-hour consumer detox, their mind will interpret the opposite. A day where they cannot buy a thing will make them think they want to buy the things they do not even need in the first place. If overconsumption is the issue, maybe consider closing down the stores for a day or increase the prices for one day in order for people to consider to purchase no goods.
What really matters when it comes to a day on which people are urged to purchase no goods is how we view the outcome of it. Overconsumption is a massive issue that the world is experiencing. However, a 24-hour consumer detox will not do the job. People should ask themselves next time they purchase something, “is this item really needed?”
not buy a single thing on that day, but what about the next day? For example, fasting is a common thing for some religions. Some fastings includes no food, no technologies or even communicate with the outside world for days. However, after fasting is done, they consume double of the amount of the things they gave up for days. Consumers are the same, once Buy Nothing Day is over they go back to the same habit and maybe double the amount of what they gave up that day. At first glance, it appears that Buy Nothing Day will make such a difference. However, people do not acknowledge the complication it holds. The famous quote establishes that “money can’t buy happiness.” This quote is simply not the case when it comes to Buy Nothing Day. A day when an individual is urged to buy nothing, not even the stuff that is needed or wanted will make the consumers have the urge to buy something, anything. Unfortunately, this day proves that money can buy happiness. One should not confuse exposing the issue with actually doing something about the issue. People are complicated individuals. Everybody believes in the saying “Once it is gone, it is gone.” If they are told to go on 24-hour consumer detox, their mind will interpret the opposite. A day where they cannot buy a thing will make them think they want to buy the things they do not even need in the first place. If overconsumption is the issue, maybe consider closing down the stores for a day or increase the prices for one day in order for people to consider to purchase no goods.
What really matters when it comes to a day on which people are urged to purchase no goods is how we view the outcome of it. Overconsumption is a massive issue that the world is experiencing. However, a 24-hour consumer detox will not do the job. People should ask themselves next time they purchase something, “is this item really needed?”