This leaves 18 days per year to buy things, each 20 days from the last. Do you grow your own food, or do you eat only nonperishables?

I shop for groceries about once per month, to buy food in bulk then freeze bread, meat and veggies. I grow some veggies in the backyard during the summer. I'm not the healthiest eater, mostly I just hate shopping. This gives me 6 misc days to buy gifts for birthdays and things.

I guess this doesn't count jumping on the odd humble indie bundle.

That 5% of purchases makes up the majority of these retailers profits is why.

That is irrelevant to the point at hand - asking everyone to not buy things on one day, even if successful, merely postpones the retailers' revenues by a day or so.

A more poignant campaign would revolve around convincing people not to buy certain unnecessary things at all, ever.

"A more poignant campaign would revolve around convincing people not to buy certain unnecessary things at all, ever."

Which is not at odds with Buy Nothing Day and the associated movement. They're not just suggesting you delay purchases, but to buy from independent/local crafters or make your own gifts.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buy_Nothing_Day

I haven't followed the philosophy to a T, but I've avoided the malls and chain stores fully, giving more personal gifts from Etsy sellers, local craft-meetups, handwritten cards, and baked gifts than ever this year. Supporting local/small businesses is always a good idea!

That's the spirit! A lot of people seem to be interpreting this as a one day thing. The campaign is using this day to start a revolution in changing the way we consume in the current economy. At least that's the goal. Less mass over-consumption and more stimulation of the local economy.

> Supporting local/small businesses is always a good idea!

Why?

Because the offerings are fairly unique, the gifts are more personal, and the profits will be reinvested in my community. Does it destroy any system in place? No, but I can be certain that the profits won't be used to damage me and my interests.

I have very little control over consumer electronics, and I am a bit too reliant on Amazon for mass-market goods, but I try to be somewhat conscious of my purchases.

ditto