CBC Radio 3 Blog - Today on Lanarama: Gearing Up For Buy Nothing Day!

01

Meow

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by utopisteservile

A friend of mine made a good point about buy nothing day... is it good for the economy to buy nothing? The economy isn't in such great shape as it is. SO? I don't know.

I know a great way to not spend anything - don't leave the house. But if you don't leave the house, you're still paying for utilities and all that stuff... right? SO EEEEVIL. It's quite the pickle.

-nicole-

02

Spending

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by Sooboy

I'm broke so it's easy....I often spend nothing. It can be hard though eh?

03

Re: Today on Lanarama: Gearing Up For Buy Nothing Day!

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by lindsey.who

I can go a day without buying anything. Well I have to buy food, but I have a mean plan, so I don't think that counts.
If I know that I will be tempted to buy things I just leave my wallett in my room. I don't really have any money anyways...

so clearly I'm a college student.
I could probably go 3 or 5 days without buying something if I was prepared for it.

04

How do you buy nothing?

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by AlexOfAnders

Nicole's right, where does it stop? If I use the internets at my house, is that spending or does it only count for transactions carried out on the day?
If it weren't on a Friday, I could do it as long as it's only transactions carried out on the day. But tomorrow, beers will be had, oh yes, delicious beers.

I honestly don't get the point of Buy nothing day though. Is it the anti-capitalism day? It is true that it's bad for the economy (at least from my understanding) but is it to show us how much we consume? Or that we maybe don't need to have that Latte or we can live with halitosis until we get home to brush out teeth?

05

@ Alexofanders

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by Lana Gay

As per their site;
Suddenly, we ran out of money and, to avoid collapse, we quickly pumped liquidity back into the system. But behind our financial crisis a much more ominous crisis looms: we are running out of nature… fish, forests, fresh water, minerals, soil. What are we going to do when supplies of these vital resources run low?

There’s only one way to avoid the collapse of this human experiment of ours on Planet Earth: we have to consume less.

It will take a massive mindshift. You can start the ball rolling by buying nothing on November 28th. Then celebrate Christmas differently this year, and make a New Year’s resolution to change your lifestyle in 2009.

It’s now or never!

06

Buy nothing day...

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by utopisteservile

Buy nothing day should be "buy nothing that comes from out of your city." Support locally owned businesses. I think that should be the point of the day. Not to BUY NOTHING, because it's really hard not to. You would have to pretty much be homeless for a day. And maybe be naked. That would be the ultimate protest. Buy locally! Make a point to ask where things come from. Going for coffee? Ask where they get their beans from. It's easy, right? If they don't know, roundhouse kick them to the face for their ignorance and carry on.

-nicole-

07

buy nothing many days

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by frrrrresh

i made a decision to *only* buy things that were sourced locally/ethically (although i haven't been able to completely stop relying on grocery stores) so there are many days when i buy nothing - even when i
'need' something i often end up going without because i can not find a suitable product, and end up not really needing whatever it was.

i think buy nothing day is a great idea. we can stimulate the economy buy buying more expensive, higher quality goods when we actually need them, can't we?

08

@frrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrresh

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by utopisteservile

*high five*

09

@nicole

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by AlexOfAnders

I like it! Buy Local Day. I'm always a strong supporter of local businesses and trying to understand where your stuff comes from. It drives me nuts when people have things (especially food) completely disassociated from where it came from and what goes into it.

10

@AlexOfAnders

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by utopisteservile

Yeah totally! It's ridiculous. I was at the Farmer's Market in Edmonton this weekend and it was amazing. So much locally grown food stuffs. We went up to a guy who had teas, and my friend made a point to find out where it came from and if it was fair trade. The guy was very open to telling us where things were from as long as we asked the right questions. The key is to be very, very, very nosy.

-nicole-

11

Buy nothing day

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by bandcandy

I would usually say yes - no problem. But my situation is similar to Lana's. I agreed to plans with a friend (which inevitably involve spending money) immediately after which, said friend informed me about Buy Nothing Day and how I wouldn't be participating this year.

I easily could though. perfect excuse to stay in with friends (drink previously purchased booze) and play boardgames.

12

BUY ALLOT YESTERDAY

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by Jason Neve

I salute the initiative, but I've never been able to buy nothing on that day.
Does it count if I stock up on beer and food on Thursday, and just have my friends buy me stuff on Friday, then pay them back on Saturday? I'm not sure if that counts as the spirit of Buy Nothing Day.

13

Re: Today on Lanarama: Gearing Up For Buy Nothing Day!

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by fraek

I don't buy anything most days, so I won't be participating. I learned long ago, back when I still had a paper route, that the reason my bank account was so small was all the small things I was buying frequently. It's amazing how much five cent candies add up. One thing I do need to do more of is buy local products. I know there are a lot of good local shops, but I don't make time to actually explore them, so I keep falling back the the fast and cheap places.

It is important to put a focus on consumerism, and I hope buy nothing day helps people see their finances and consumption in a new light. I can't help but think that most people participating are people that don't need to though. I think Buy Local Day would be better at reaching out to new people.

14

Re: Today on Lanarama: Gearing Up For Buy Nothing Day!

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by Kream68

Hey Lana, International Buy Nothing Day I never heard of this how did this come about? Tomorrow is black friday in the states, so I will be doing some spending, I usely spend money going out to eat on the weekends with friends other then that, not big on spending. Yeah 24 hours with out spending money I can do with ease. , I don't like to self indulge.

15

BND

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by FlippantJibilla

I've never worried about BND being bad for the economy, just like I've never worried if using bleached paper for cigarettes might be bad for someone's health. I do support the possibility of personal awareness-raising that can occur by participating in this kind of action. It was my early participation in organizing BND actions that taught me the awareness habits I am able to have about my consumer activity, and as imperfect as it is, it is a good start to be aware.

That said, I do have plans for Friday night that don't necessarily include Buying Nothing. Plans that include CBCR3 folk. And possibly drinks. To say nothing of driving my car.

16

Oh noes!

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by utopisteservile

I totally forgot about Black Friday! DUN DUN DUNNNN. Stock up on TOYS for little girls and boys.

Speaking of toys... has anyone heard of the Baby Alive doll? I hate that thing. I worked at Toys R Us for two years and.. man. That was the creepiest thing ever. It actually takes a dump in its diaper. It's more like diarhea, though.. but I see there is a new one for this year BABY ALIVE LEARNS TO POTTY. Sigh. Terrible. Anyway. Tangent!

17

@Kream68

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by FlippantJibilla

Yes, tomorrow is Black Friday...that's always been the point of Buy Nothing Day...a direct reaction to great kick-off to the greatest holiday in the consumer culture...

18

Good experiment but..

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by boders

As your blog posting shows, it makes for a good thought experiment, not certain what this idea accomplishes outside of this though. I would always advocate for further examination of just how deep consumerism is part of the fabric of our modern lives, but question the utility of totally abstaining from making purchases for some arbitrary amount of time other than the thought provoking nature of the endeavor itself. As far as helping the current state of the economy, electing to make NO purchases most certainly does not help and would have a deleterious effect. Wait though, I thought part of the economic troubles stemmed from having a negative savings rate...damn, now I'm in a loop of reasoning and I can't get out, lets just blame the Americans to make it nice and easy.

19

Re: Today on Lanarama: Gearing Up For Buy Nothing Day!

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by bassish

i think what is happening right here is the spirit of b.n.d...that is - to provoke Thought about our consumption practices...many of us back-pedal when we think about how much we do consume vs. how much we need...i personally don't think beating ourselves up is a very effective way to save the planet, but recognizing how easy and happy and fun and curious and interesting consuming less (and consuming local!) can be...so, lana - can you switch to a local gelato joint? or maybe just ask the makers whether it's local dairy to provoke their priority setting?

i'm not saying that we can just think and not do anything, but ironically, it can become quite fun if you start asking serious questions!

20

@ bassish

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by Lana Gay

All of my gelato joints are local! All 4 of them! When it comes to food, I almost exclusively buy local. I like mom and pop joints and love the fact that you are more likely to be remembered and known on a first name basis. I like the community of it all.

21

Buy Nothing day

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by Kelsey G

Unfortunately we're out of food so we have to go grocery shopping tomorrow. No buy nothing for me. But I totally agree with the buy local when you can. I'm hoping to do some good farmers market shopping this weekend:)

22

@ Lana

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by bassish

sweet! and that's exactly it - the benefits of eco-smart consumption actually make you want to do it cause it makes you happier! yay! eat your gelato with pride tomorrow!

23

INTERESTING

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by utopisteservile

So, it looks like a whole bunch of local shops in Prince George are planning on doing a big sale day on Friday until Sunday in exchange for non-perishable food stuffs, clothing, toys, etc.

http://www.facebook.com/s.php?ref=search&init=q&q=roll+ya+&sid=b51f0dbd413129f330a0fef1beea7e19#/event.php?eid=50303061421

That's what I'm talkin' about! Forget this Buy Nothing business... that's silly. I like this better. Yay Prince George! I never thought I'd say that ever.......

-nicole-

24

Re: Today on Lanarama: Gearing Up For Buy Nothing Day!

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by deano

Does anyone else think they picked a horrible day to do it on. I guess that is the point, but it seems to me more people would be able to do it if it was a tuesday.

25

Re: Today on Lanarama: Gearing Up For Buy Nothing Day!

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by ACG

It's a horrible day for a buy nothing day. Friday is an excuse to spend. I always treat myself on Fridays and assume most people do. Don't they?

26

Re: Today on Lanarama: Gearing Up For Buy Nothing Day!

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by Starhawk

does it have to include timmies?

27

sigh

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by utopisteservile

I seriously love this Tentacles song. Like, if it wasn't a song, I might marry it. I might marry it.

-nicole-

28

@ Starhawk

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by AlexOfAnders

Has timmies worked it's way into your morning routine? (Don't worry, I'm just as guilty, I treat my gf to Timmies breakfast 2-3 times a week).
I've been trying to think what it is about Timmies that brings in us Canadians. It's one of the few chains I don't avoid (at least it's Canadian owned again! Hooray!).

29

hmm..

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by utopisteservile

I feel pensive now.

-nicole-

30

Re: Today on Lanarama: Gearing Up For Buy Nothing Day!

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by All That Jazz

Great set Lana!

I too am going to a show tomorrow night, so I don't think Buy Nothing Day is going to work out too hot for me...

31

Here's an idea...

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by Lana Gay

Since it seems that many have plans tomorrow and think spending nothing will be difficult (myself included...I blame the concert!) What about going through your things and for everything you buy, donate an item to charity? Old scarf you haven't worn? Coat? Cans of food? Perhaps its another way of contributing and being aware.

32

Here's a better idea...

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by utopisteservile

Donate a CBC Radio 3 scarf to me. It's getting chillier. And I want one. Meow.

-nicole-

33

Debt diet

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by crustini

I'm currently on the debt diet, which often means I can go days...yes DAYS without buying a thing. Granted, this does require pre-planning. I buy my groceries for the week to support the meal plan I develop for myself for 7days. I bring a lunch and/or supper to work, I get my coffee for free at work in my reusable mug and I make cookies and/or other treats at home for dessert. Through in some fruit and nuts for a snack and I'm set for food and beverages for the day. I pre buy tokens (in Toronto here) for the subway and I'm set.

I'm not gonna lie here, some days it gets tough. But I have paid off over $14,000 of debt in one year...ONE YEAR!

Regarding utopisteservile's comment, I have to disagree. The economy is in a total shit state right now, yes. But does that warrant a buy something everyday attitude. I think you should buy what you can afford and what you NEED, not what you WANT! By buying (on credit) what we WANT, we got ourselves into this giant mess that I hate referring to as "the global credit crunch"...it's not a cereal with a cartoon captain and dollar sign marshmallows in it!!!

34

@All That Jazz

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by FlippantJibilla

What show ya goin' to? huh?huh?huh? Mother Mother? Comin' out for meetup at Section 3 at 8pm beforehand? huh?huh?huh? </endyappingdog>

35

To Buy:

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by FlippantJibilla

I'd really like to state that buying things for the sake of the economy is a little sick. The economic problems we're having right now are systemic, caused by the way we do things, including our buying habits. It needs to be said out loud. I'm not saying don't buy anything ever, but do recognize that it is participation in something you might not like participating in. I repeat...worrying about whether or not doing Buy Nothing Day is bad for the economy is kind of like worrying about using bleached as opposed to unbleached paper for rolling cigarettes...

36

BND, Tim's and Groceries

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by krib

As someone pointed out, the whole thing started because of Black Friday, the busiest shopping day in the US. It then grew into an international event.

To be asking "where does it stop? if I use heat I'm consuming utilities" then you're missing the point. We kind of need heat and food. Not sure how many of us really need a 42-inch plasma TV.

also not sure if Tim's counts as "food" :-)

BTW, to AlexOfAnders - Tim's was bought by Wendy's a few years ago. I believe it's still run as a separate company, but it's not as Canadian as it used to be...

37

Buy Nothing Day...

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by CDNz1

I have an XGF that phones me every Black Friday to compare specs on TVs and computers. Sometimes I have the time to research, then she buys it all and returns most of it. Shopping Junkie she is...

I'll shop Canadian this year...our family Christmas in Unionville requires a "gender neutral gift around $25..." to exchange.
We do the gift draw thing, you see.
This is sooooo coool as it's easy for everybody.

38

Re: Today on Lanarama: Gearing Up For Buy Nothing Day!

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by All That Jazz

@FlippantJibilla I'm going to see THe Constantines in London...which is no where near BC, but wish I could meet up!

@krib I think that Tim Hortons/Wendy's ended their association with each other a few years ago? http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2006/03/03/wendys-060303.html

39

@krib

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by AlexOfAnders

It was quite a few years ago they were bought, from what I heard Wendy's didn't actually buy it, it was a partnership of sorts that turned out to be unprofitable for Wendy's and they have now backed out and sold all their shares.

I looked on wiki and as far as I can tell, Timmies is once again Canadian and proud of it ;)

40

@CDNz1

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by FlippantJibilla

I'm a big fan of the Christmas Gift exchange kind of deal. My family does that and we all look forward to it, though it has become a bit of a competition for who can find the weirdest thing for under $25. My favourites from years past are the 6-foot-tall wooden spoon, and the cheeseplate and bookends that keep returning (they sound innocuous, but they are impressively ugly).

I think that that is a fair reaction to the buying blitz that BND is trying to cut down on...

41

@ Lana Donate old stuff...

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by CDNz1

I donate throughout the year, do the canned food thing and put old sweaters in the boxes on the corners. Thanks for mentioning the donation thing. Remember that horrible sweater you got from Aunt Carole 3 years ago? Someone will be warmer wearing it.

42

@FlipJib

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by CDNz1

Where the hell do I find A 6' wooden spoon?

LMAO...

43

Re: Today on Lanarama: Gearing Up For Buy Nothing Day!

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by fraek

A local teashop celebrates buy nothing day by not being open for business. I'm guessing they donate anything you would pay for drinks to a charity.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=48011424895

44

re: donate stuff

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by FlippantJibilla

I've decided that if I haven't used something in 6 months (except for seasonal items, and some other exceptions), then it has become garbage to me...and I don't store garbage in my home. Away it goes to a happier home! And with every gift I give comes the direct note that if the recipient can find a happier home for it, it would please me greatly that the gift found its way there. Nuts to stuff! Especially new stuff! Give it away!

45

Oops!

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by krib

Thanks for clearing that up. I didn't know Wendy's sold it off for cash a couple of years ago. I have to admit, I'm an insufferable snob when it comes to coffee (I roast my own except in Winter when it's too cold to do it in the garage), so I don't really drink Tim's coffee.
But I'm glad to know that when I buy timbits for the kids, I'm buying Canadian. Not sure it counts as local, though.I'm guessing that most stuff ships from some central shipping place.

46

re: 6' Wooden Spoon

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by FlippantJibilla

My brother found it, I have no idea...though I am pleased by a BND discussion turning into a "buying weird crap" discussion

47

coffee - local?

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by krib

just realized, of course, that mentioning buying coffee and local in the same sentence is kind of a non-starter, unless someone's got a coffee tree in their yard!

48

Re: Today on Lanarama: Gearing Up For Buy Nothing Day!

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by FlippantJibilla

Enter Comment Here:

49

@crustini

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by boots mcgruff

damn, dude, that is IMPRESSIVE. that level of organization and forethought is my eternal (and ever-elusive) goal. i think i manage the 'don't buy a meal all day' thing maybe one day a week, at most. on a good week.

though sometimes disorganization does pay off - i just showed up at work about an hour ago (you know... six hours late), and only just now cruised down to the kitchen for tea, and there was a freakin' CHOCOLATE CAKE sitting there for me. amazing. who needs to bring lunch when people leave cakes laying around?

50

@ krib

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by Lana Gay

You can buy fair trade/ organic from a local coffee shop. Check this out:
http://www.saltspringcoffee.com//index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=47&Itemid=126

51

Coffee

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by All That Jazz

I think there are many coffee shops that try to buy fair trade coffee or support farmers in developing countries by purchasing their coffee.

There's a great chain of little coffee shops here that are great for that.

52

FTO coffee - still not local

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by krib

I buy green beans that are FTO, often from the greenbeanery, which is a non-profit that raises money for Probe International, which helps 3rd world farmers (and they sell roasted coffee too).

The point, though, is that it's not local. If I wanted to keep it local, at this time of year I'd be drinking tea made of mint and Sea Buckthorn leaves (a good source of vitamin C).

I have this dried on the shelves, but it's not quite the same as a coffee in the morning :-)

53

coffee

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by fraek

While coffee is grown somewhere else, there are companies that roast locally, rather than in another big factory somewhere else.
Most coffee shops seem to use fair trade or organic coffee. Starbucks has its own sourcing standards, and puts money toward development in coffee growing countries, but also has some coffees that are certified organic and fair-trade. They're all roasted in a big plant in the states though. I think they only have a couple roasting plants around the globe, for every bean of coffee they sell.
Talk to a barista. Any good one should know their coffee.

54

boots mcgruff

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by crustini

I love that a chocolate cake was just waiting for you...I dream of that day!

I'm telling you, if I can do what I did in the past year...ANYONE can do it. This is coming from a guy who only used to buy Aveda shampoo, $300 (or more) sunglasses and top of the line jeans. Oh how times have changed. My last pair of jeans were $12 and I have had many a lucky lady comment on my ass and well I won't talk about my shampoo, but I found a store where I think they gather what fell off a truck and sell it to...me! Dude, it can be done!!!

I would say I am going to buy nothing tomorrow, but half my friends just lost their jobs today and I'm sure I'll be having a pity party beer tomorrow night with them.

55

@Boots McGruff and Coffee

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by FlippantJibilla

Well, all this talk of FTO coffee brings chocolate to mind...gotta watch out for chocolate...all kinds of slavery still involved in chocolate production...scary stuff

56

Coffee snobbery

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by AlexOfAnders

Don't worry krib, I was/am a huuuuge coffee snob. The "was" is more that I don't drink very much coffee anymore (usually only if I have dessert or with Brunch) as it was getting excessive.

Still, I always was impressed by coffee shops that roast their own beans. When I used to live in Kerrisdale this cafe called Bean Bros. used to roast it themselves. I remember talking to the owner about it and his way of thinking was "You go to a bakery cause they bake their own bread, a butcher cuts his own meat, shouldn't a cafe roast its own coffee?"

I loved that mentality! Sadly though, the owners have changed and Bean Bros is a sad sad remnant of the classy cafe it used to be. Still fair trade though.

57

@crustini

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by CDNz1

That's lots of $$$

I've done the same and grill/cook one day for the week. Colleagues think it's gourmet, it's just healthier than fast food. Bravo to you!!

Coffee comes from MY coffee maker and is replenished at work. I don't do Tim's or Dunkin....

58

RE: Coffee Snobbery

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by krib

yeah, the catch is that even if a shop roasts its own coffee, it can still come from the big coffee cartels, where the actual grower makes a whopping 12 cents/pound even though the coffee shop is paying $5.00 / pound from a supplier. That's what Fair Trade is supposed to stop.

Having said that, some shops buy directly from plantations and growers' cooperatives, so they get a fair price, even though it's not been given the official label of Fair Trade.

59

@ Lana

Posted on Nov 27, 2008 by CDNz1

Feel free to have a beer or 3 tomorrow and not be part of the economic crisis.

ENJOY!!!

CD

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Today on Lanarama: Gearing Up For Buy Nothing Day!

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Comments

Meow

Spending

Re: Today on Lanarama: Gearing Up For Buy Nothing Day!

How do you buy nothing?

@ Alexofanders

Buy nothing day...

buy nothing many days

@frrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrresh

@nicole

@AlexOfAnders

Buy nothing day

BUY ALLOT YESTERDAY

Re: Today on Lanarama: Gearing Up For Buy Nothing Day!

Re: Today on Lanarama: Gearing Up For Buy Nothing Day!

BND

Oh noes!

@Kream68

Good experiment but..

Re: Today on Lanarama: Gearing Up For Buy Nothing Day!

@ bassish

Buy Nothing day

@ Lana

INTERESTING

Re: Today on Lanarama: Gearing Up For Buy Nothing Day!

Re: Today on Lanarama: Gearing Up For Buy Nothing Day!

Re: Today on Lanarama: Gearing Up For Buy Nothing Day!

*sigh*

@ Starhawk

hmm..

Re: Today on Lanarama: Gearing Up For Buy Nothing Day!

Here's an idea...

Here's a better idea...

Debt diet

@All That Jazz

To Buy:

BND, Tim's and Groceries

Buy Nothing Day...

Re: Today on Lanarama: Gearing Up For Buy Nothing Day!

@krib

@CDNz1

@ Lana Donate old stuff...

@FlipJib

Re: Today on Lanarama: Gearing Up For Buy Nothing Day!

re: donate stuff

Oops!

re: 6' Wooden Spoon

coffee - local?

Re: Today on Lanarama: Gearing Up For Buy Nothing Day!

@crustini

@ krib

Coffee

FTO coffee - still not local

coffee

boots mcgruff

@Boots McGruff and Coffee

Coffee snobbery

@crustini

RE: Coffee Snobbery

@ Lana

Post a Comment

sigh