FOMCA organised a four-year campaign with the theme Change Begins With Me which started from June 2008 until June 2012 and Buy Nothing Day is a part of this campaign.
What is Buy Nothing Day? Below is the explanation from their 3K official website:
Tuesday, 07 July 2009 09:35
On Buy Nothing Day, consumers are encouraged not to make any purchases throughout the entire day. The idea is to increase consumers' awareness of their spending habits and to think about mass consumerism and its effect on the cultural and natural environment of the world.
Buy Nothing Day is an effort to raise awareness on the issue of over consumption among consumers. The goal is not to solve the problem of over consumption by encouraging consumers to not make any purchases just for one day of the year; rather, Buy Nothing Day hopes that consumers will make more conscious purchases for the next 364 days of the year.
This particular day is not aimed at boycotting, demonstrating or protesting against any parties but to educate consumers to be more prudent in their daily expenditure. It seeks to spread a clear message to the consumers on the existence of life without having to spend.
It is hoped that Buy Nothing Day may well educate consumers to minimise their spending so as to make them appreciate the value of money that they spend daily. Consumers would be able to know whether their money is well spent or is it being simply used to splurge gratuitously.
Frequently asked questions
o What is Buy Nothing Day all about?
Buy Nothing Day is a day where you challenge yourself to switch off from shopping for a day and tune into life. The rules are simple, for 24 hours you will detox from consumerism and live without shopping. Anyone can take part provided they spend a day without spending!
o What is the point?
As consumers, we should question the products we buy and the companies who produce them. The idea is to make people stop and think about what and how much they buy effects the environment.
o Is shopping such a bad thing?
It’s not shopping in itself that’s so harmful, it’s what we buy. We need to identify our ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ before spending. We need to know the reason ‘WHY’ we buy something so as to enhance the consumer spending pattern and reduce wastage.
o Who runs it?
You do - it’s your day - so get involved! Spread the message to all your friends and refuse to shop on 16th July 2009.
o What can I do?
Doing nothing is doing something! However, committing to consuming less is a start. The day is about fighting the urge to buy anything. It’s the day we challenge ourselves.
o What will I achieve?
It’s incredibly challenging to last 24 hours without spending any money. You’ll feel detoxed from shopping and realise how much it uses up your free time. For 24 hours you’ll get your life back and that’s a big achievement!
o Does that mean I have to stop shopping altogether?
It won’t hurt to stop for one day and we don’t expect the Malaysian economy to worsen. We just want to challenge you to think about the effects of what you buy has on the environment.
o Is one day really going to make a difference?
Buy Nothing Day isn’t about changing your lifestyle for just one day - it’s a lasting relationship - maybe a life changing experience! We aim to make Buy Nothing Day stick in your mind so you think about what you buy and the impact it has on the environment.
How to celebrate Buying Nothing Day?
• Make your own coffee in the morning;
• Pack your own lunch / snacks to office or school;
• Have your meals at home instead of eating out / order take out food ;
• Take a walk instead of driving cars or use public transport as alternative;
• Plan your travel in advance to reduce wastage of fuel;
• Spend time with family and friends playing indoor games / outdoor activities;
• Go to library to pick up some new books;
• Make a list of raw materials you have in your house that can be recycled or altered to create something new;
• Bake or cook something using ingredients that you have stocked at home;
• Make handmade cards or gift to your loved ones;
• Gardening;
• Leave all your money, bankcards and credit cards at home;
• Stay away from stores;
• Create an inventory of goods already available at home in order to avoid wastage the next time you go shopping;
• Spread the message by telling your friends at office or school, write about it on your blog, text or e-mail your friends.
• Holding a clothes swap with your friends. Gather the clothes and shoes that you have not worn in the past year at someone's house and trade items. Anything that doesn't get snatched up can be donated to local charities.
• Host a movie night at your place. Instead of going out to dinner and a movie with friends, watch an old favorite from your own collection and have a private viewing. If everyone pitches in and brings something to eat or drink from home, you can avoid a trip to the grocery store for snacks.
• Find one free fun thing to do such as going to a local museum, help community or consider volunteering to spend time with old folks or orphans.
Realize The Small Things You Can Do To Help Make Larger Change!
Hmmm..I guess it's worth a try! Let's support this campaign!
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