Why buy nothing?
Our "economy" is built on an assumption of endless consumption and endless profit. Companies feel entitled to the money in our pockets. They need us to keep spending.
What if we didn't?
What if we exercised our collective economic power to say, "we don't want or need your crap"? What might happen then?
It's hard to say exactly what might happen, but a growing anti-consumerist movement that makes its impact felt on a monthly basis might get a message across to the shareholders and board members of America: we owe you nothing. We don't care about your profits. You need to prove to us that you are worth our time.
"Buy Nothing Day" is a simple way to start acting in solidarity. If you withhold your money, a company will not notice. If you, I, and people from all over the country—even all over the world—withhold our money, it will be hard to miss.