The
global economy, which sees people as nothing more than consumers,
is a runaway train that is causing more and more suffering in
the world. The current 'profit before people' system is causing
the gap between the very rich and the very poor to grow larger
each year. Nothing symbolizes our society's emphasis on consumption
more than "Black Friday" -- the day after Thanksgiving, when
the media tells us we should begin the holiday season by waking
up early and rushing out to the stores to BUY, BUY, BUY.
Around
the world, many have decided to take a stand and use the day
after Thanksgiving to organize Buy Nothing Day events
and activities to raise awareness about the choices that we
have to live our lives more simply and sustainably.
Money,
when used for good, can help change the world. Put your resources
to work for a better world on the other 364 days of the year.
Be conscious of the way you spend your money. Purchase Fair
Trade products - products that are supplied by workers and growers
who are paid fair wages, and work in safe conditions. Support
socially responsible businesses by purchasing their products
and investing in them. Demand corporate responsibility -- with
our purchasing power, we can force corporations to manufacture
and distribute their goods in ways that respect workers and
protect our planet. Take a bite out of corporate control by
getting money out of politics. Support local currencies and
cooperatives. These are all tangible ways that we can use our
economic resources to "buy a better world" and transform the
global economy.
