The Tough Questions
Today, millions of organizers challenge shoppers on Buy Nothing Day and, ultimately, everyday to ask themselves the following questions before making a purchase:

• Do I need it?
• How many do I already have?
• How much will I use it?
• How long will it last?
• Could I borrow it from a friend or family member?
• Can I do without it?
• Am I able to clean and/or maintain it myself?
• Am I willing to?
• Will I be able to repair it?
• Have I researched it to get the best quality for the best price?
• How will I dispose of it when I'm done using it?
• Are the resources that went into it renewable or nonrenewable?
• Is it made or recycled materials, and is it recyclable?
• Is there anything that I already own that I could substitute for it?

But the holiday isn’t just about money. Organizers also encourage everyone to make conscious efforts to spending time with friends and family, enjoying life, and doing their part to help conserve and protect the environment.

In observance of the day, many stay at home, host street parties with tables, equipped with scissors for consumers to cut credit cards on the spot, dance in a celebratory conga line against consumerism or hold large demonstrations in front of major shopping centers.

If you’d like to learn how to get involved and make your own Buy Nothing Day flyers, gift exemption vouchers, or posters, visit www.adbusters.org/campaigns/bnd/.