The current hostile corporate takeover in the USA and the clear loss of political power of the common people, I started wondering what happened if people used consumption as their leverage. Since the system is designed for continuous growth, what would happen if a mass movement of people stopping buying new non-essential consumer goods?

It would send a much stronger message than angry public protests. Thoughts?

Edit 1: Received some fantastic responses one of these highlighted February 28th as the “National No Spend Day” that we can consider the rehearsal.

*Do not make any purchases Do not shop online, or in-store, No Amazon, No Walmart, No Best Buy, Nowhere!

Do not spend money on: Fast Food,Gas,Major Retailers Do not use Credit or Debit Cards for non essential spending

WHAT YOU CAN DO: Only buy essentials of absolutely necessary (Food, Medicine, Emergency Supplies) If you must spend, ONLY support small, local businesses.*

This movement is the definition of equitable, not spending means everybody can contribute within their means, and if you can’t afford to buy shit anyway, you’re already doing your part!

https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2025/02/12/national-no-spend-day-economic-blackout-amazon-walmart/78410711007/

    • HubertManne@moist.catsweat.com
      0·
      1 month ago

      yup. Im in a similar boat. could not reduce more. we really need a blender and I saw one for an estate sale next weekend. hoping they have some plates, bowls, and cups to. eff the corps.

        • HubertManne@moist.catsweat.com
          0·
          1 month ago

          yeah its more avoiding corp as much as possible. The money saving is a side effect. So im preferring garage and estate sales and certain second hand shops. Old fashioned person to person local.

      • eatthecake@lemmy.world
        0·
        1 month ago

        Plates, cups and bowls can be bought second hand at charity/opp/goodwill shops in my experience. They also often have small appliances, sometimes new as people donate unwanted gifts. Pie makers are very common. Noone should buy new pie makes.

    • notsoshaihulud@lemmy.worldOP
      0·
      1 month ago

      I already barely buy shit. I’ve always said “if the economy hinged on my purchasing habit, the country would go bankrupt”.

      well, you’re already part of the movement:)

    • Captain Aggravated@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      0·
      1 month ago

      Fix things. I don’t know what they did to my father but the man starts getting twitchy and starts scratching at his face if he hasn’t ordered anything from Amazon in the last few minutes. I have to STOP HIM to give me a chance to repair things.