Action Briefing Oct 2004 - Nov 2004
	The Newsletter of Birmingham Friends of the Earth

Ho, Ho, Ho! It's Buy Nothing Day

Saturday 27th November is International Buy Nothing Day, your annual holiday from consumerism just in time for the Christmas shopping stampede. Of course, times have changed somewhat since the era when Buy Nothing Day was held every week, not just every year (back then, apparently, it had something to do with churches and was called Sunday).

Buy Nothing Day is meant to be a fun occasion where we can all celebrate one day without shopping and reflect on the power of marketing and advertising to make much that is superfluous seem indispensable. It’s also a good test or resolve (and forward planning: you don't want to find yourself out of baked beans on Buy Nothing Day).

Trying to go one day without spending any money can tell you a lot about yourself and your lifestyle, much of which you'd probably rather not have found out, so it's best to do something constructive to take your mind off it all. Last year, Birmingham Friends of the Earth organised a 'Santa Parade' through the city centre. A group of Santas danced through New Street to the salsa rhythms of a steel drum band, wielding tongue-in-cheek placards that read 'Debt: it's what Christmas is all about' and 'Good King Wastefulness', etc., etc. (suggested slogans welcome by the way).

This year we want to organise an even bigger Santa parade. If you would like to participate, especially if you have your own Santa costume (a long shot, I know), then call James on 0121 632 6909 or email info@birminghamfoe.org.uk. For more info about Buy Nothing Day visit www.buynothingday.co.uk

James Botham