Don't buy it!

Don’t buy it!


The Don’t buy it initiative means this: Until December 25th 2008, you vow not to buy any things (material products) for yourself. Instead, use what you already have. It is probably enough.

The basic rule of the Don’t buy it initiative is simple:

Don’t buy it.

Exceptions:

* Food and drink. This is a biological need. Buy it. Other things needed to get by in everyday life are also OK (hygiene products, medications, electricity, etc).

* Repairs. If things break, try to repair them. In order to do this, you may need to buy things. Also, maintenance may be necessary.

* Replacements. Things may break down and not be possible to repair. Things may get lost. Things may get stolen. Your dog may eat you last pair of shoes. If it is something vital, replace it. Go for second hand if possible. But first, check if you already have anything else that can do the job.

About the initiative:

Motives for this may vary. There are environmental, political, existential, and other reasons. The main point is to try out a way of life less dependent on material consumption.

This does not mean the end of consumption. It means a temporary stop to buying things. If you feel the need to spend money, treat yourself to a concert. Or invite your friends for dinner. The Don’t buy it initiative concerns material products. If you absolutely have to buy a thing, give someone special a gift.

This does not mean asceticism. It does not mean living in the forest on what Mother Nature has to offer. It simply means getting by with what you had yesterday. It worked then and it will probably work today.

In a consumer society, not buying it is probably the ultimate revolutionary act.