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Buy Nothing Day (BND) is observed annually on the Friday after Thanksgiving as a protest against consumerism. In some locations, it is celebrated on the last Saturday of November. When was the last time you went shopping and returned home without buying anything? In today’s world, is it possible to go 24 hours without making a purchase? Supporters of Buy Nothing Day believe it is possible, but there’s no doubt that avoiding spending money for an entire day can be a challenge in modern society.
“Credit buying is much like being drunk. The buzz happens immediately and gives you a lift…. The hangover comes the day after” – Joyce Brothers.
Buy Nothing Day Observance
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | November 29 | Friday |
| 2025 | November 28 | Friday |
| 2026 | November 27 | Friday |
| 2027 | November 26 | Friday |
| 2028 | November 24 | Friday |
History of Buy Nothing Day
Artist Ted Dave founded Buy Nothing Day in Vancouver, Canada, and it was later promoted by the Canadian-based magazine Adbusters. The first Buy Nothing Day was observed in Canada in September 1992 as a day to raise awareness about the issue of over-consumption. In 1997, the observance was moved to the Friday after U.S. Thanksgiving, also infamously known as Black Friday, one of the busiest shopping days in the United States.
In 2000, a few Adbusters advertisements promoting the day were rejected by nearly all major television networks, except for CNN. After a short period, campaigns started to appear in the United States, Israel, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, Austria, and France. Today, around 65 countries participate in Buy Nothing Day.
The day has received mixed reviews. Some argue that it can be the start of a life-changing shift toward a more sustainable lifestyle, while others believe the day is meaningless, with supporters simply returning to excessive shopping the following day. In 2009, a group of participants not only avoided shopping but also refrained from using electric appliances, traveling by car, or using mobile phones throughout the day.
Other Celebrations on November 29
November 29 is also celebrated as
- National Square Dance Day
- Electronic Greeting Card Day
- International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
- National Maize Day
- National Flossing Day
- International Systems Engineer Day
How to Celebrate Buy Nothing Day
On Buy Nothing Day, there are several ways to express your objection to our consumer-driven culture. You can stay at home with friends and family instead of going shopping, or you can participate in various campaigns and events organized throughout the day to raise awareness about overconsumption, such as the Zombie Walk or Whirl-mart. Additionally, you can post pictures and share your thoughts about the day on social media using the hashtag #BuyNothingDay.