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Press Release | Become a Golden Supporter |
Embargo: 0100h, Saturday 24th November 2001
Photo Opportunity: 12am -1pm, 24th November 2001. Mock fines distributed in "No Shopping Zone".
Fun Fines for Over-consumers on Buy Nothing Day
Friends of the Earth challenges the idea that shopping is always good for us!
Today, Birmingham Friends of the Earth will be at New Street, the city’s busiest shopping centre, with a campaign on BUY NOTHING DAY. They will be distributing "violation notices" to all people who break this International movement, which aims to raise the awareness of the consequences of consumerism.
By asking consumers to avoid shopping on this day, Birmingham Friends of the Earth hopes to make it clear to shoppers that the consumer culture is endangering our entire Planet and ourselves.
One of the facts of consumerism is that just 20% of the world's population are consuming over 80% of the Earth's natural resources, causing a disproportionate level of environmental damage and unfair distribution of wealth. The whole environment and developing countries are now paying for this culture which praises excess of comfort, the need to feel good above all else and to impress friends. So Friends of the Earth invites the people of Birmingham to take the day off, and Buy Nothing!
As consumers we need to question the products we buy and challenge the companies who produce them. What are the true risks to the environment and developing countries? The argument is infinite - while it continues we should be looking for simple solutions: Buy Nothing Day is a good place to start. Friends of the Earth invites everyone to take a break from shopping and find different ways of spending their time on this day. It is an invitation to people give time and love instead of presents.
Nevertheless Buy Nothing Day isn't about changing your lifestyle for just one day. By spending the day without spending money Birmingham Friends of the Earth wants people to make a commitment to consuming less, re-using more and challenging corporations to clean up and be fair. Modern consumerism might offer great choice, but this shouldn't be at the cost of the environment and developing countries.
Karen Leach of Birmingham Friends of the Earth said:.
"Overspending on credit cards may indeed improve the economy in the short term, and therefore seem to be patriotic. But overconsumption is the root of global disasters that have already started to crop up: climate change is only one of many problems it causes. And we all know it doesn’t really make us happier."
Birmingham Friends of the Earth will be having a stall on New Street, where members will be distributing mock "on the spot fines" explaining the meaning of BUY NOTHING DAY to shoppers. They will also be displaying a check-list of questions people should ask before buying.