In today’s world, consumerism defines society. When we have access to all sorts of cheap, mass-produced goods, we tend to buy more and more things we don‘t actually need. Ideally, an annual “Buy Nothing Day” would be great for allowing consumers to reflect on their own spending habits. However, such a day would do very little to actually affect society at large, due to an inability to actually force people to participate, emergency spending, and an inability to affect the usage of items already bought. An annual “Buy Nothing Day” cannot have 100% participation. Although such an event will appeal to many morally sound people, others who already overconsume will continue to do so on this day, unfazed by the possible implications of their actions. Without the support of the entire population, a “Buy Nothing Day” will not achieve its goal of human self-reflecting; it becomes a strike, by the non-consumers on the dissenters who continue to spend.
Even the most willing supporter may still find himself needing to buy things on a “Buy Nothing Day”. What if his family member falls ill, and requires over the counter medication? What if he needs to buy gas to get to work? What if a store has a ninety- nine percent off sale on forty inch television sets? One basic human trait is narcissism If an emergency situation arises where the supporter will suffer from lack of action, he will place his own life and needs ahead of the “Buy Nothing Day” he originally promised to support. Sure, doing so is morally questionable. as the “Buy Nothing Day‘s” original purpose is to prevent just this type of on sight, urgent spending, but no human is able to fully place the Earth and environment above their own life.
Finally, a “Buy Nothing Day” has no effect on previously bought items. Such a day only affects spending on that day alone. Ironically, people can spend their day away from stores at home or work that’s already filled with consumer items. They can spend the entire day reflecting all they want, but no amount will affect the negative impact of the products they have already bought. Although seemingly a good idea, an annual “Buy Nothing Day” has little real impact on helping society at large. Those that do participate can feel good about themselves for one day, but there‘s nothing stopping them from buying again the next day‘.
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