This is an aberration from what I would typically post here, but importance takes precedence and I have a role to fill. You can also read the original publication on my personal blog.
In the U.S., the wealth gap has increased significantly since the 1980s. According to data compiled by Progress for the People, the top 1% of income earners grew their income by 194% from 1980 to 2014, whereas the bottom 50% shrank from 129% to 21%. This distribution has created a dramatic imbalance of political power. Billionaires have lobbied for favorable economic policies that have driven income and wealth inequality. When we are spread across such a large area and politically disempowered, contributing to political change can feel futile. Protests feel more symbolic than anything. So we need to hit corporations where it hurts: their wallet. In doing so, you will ultimately save money and spend with clear intention. In the wake of the recent 24-hour “economic blackout”, many people are wondering whether one day without spending is enough to effect change. It’s going to take more to force the hand of billion-dollar corporations, but the boycott gained enough attention to spark the conversation about how to make a lasting impact.
A successful boycott is a sustained effort. This calls for long-term adjustments in our spending habits and our relationship with consumption. Reflect on your spending habits and understand how effectively you can stick it to large corporations, reduce impact, and save money. I’ve compiled 13 actionable, simple steps to prompt reflection and start minimizing consumption.
- Delete Your Amazon Account – Remove temptation altogether. Amazon is cheap and convenient, but without it you will spend less, only going out of your way for items you actually need. I’ve linked the instructions for Amazon account closure here.
- Want New Clothes? – Choose sustainable options by ditching fast fashion companies like Shein. Buy secondhand at thrift stores or host clothing swaps with friends and local community. I’ve acquired some unique items through swaps, totally free. I’m talking a leather jacket, Levis, a nice shirt, etc. Plus, clothing swaps feature built-in socialization. Chat with your pals while you score new stuff.
- Quality Over Quantity – One way to avoid overconsumption is prioritizing the quality of an item. This is especially important in the age of polyester and mass production. When thrifting or shopping, pay closer attention to item materials. For clothing, higher quality items will look better, feel better, and last longer. Check the tags in thrift stores: you want wool (even high % wool blends), cotton, linen, silk, full grain leather, etc. Say no to secondhand polyester, you deserve better! Remember: Better quality=longer lasting=less expensive to replace continuously
- Seeking That Purchase Dopamine Hit? – Try something new or switch up your routine. For example, you can clean, reorganize, or rearrange your room. This gives you a productive task that rewards you with a sense of both newness and accomplishment!
- Want New Plants? – Cuttings! Many common houseplants or gardening herbs can be grown via propagation. If your friend has a plant due for a trim, ask if you can take the trimmings that will otherwise be tossed in the compost. For example, pothos plants are pretty and resilient. Plant propagation methods vary depending on the species, so be sure to find a reliable guide catered to the plant cuttings you have. By growing cuttings, you get the rewarding experience of upgrading your living space through the process of growing and nurturing a baby plant.
- Need Something to Do? – You don’t have to choose between online shopping and doomscrolling. Free community events are happening pretty much all the time. Find your niche, and find a group. Experience a sense of community, participate in an engaging activity, and develop friendships! I started going to a free biweekly art event some time ago and that’s how I’ve made some awesome friends and met very cool people. I now attend semi-regular dinners and started a writing group with people I met through this event! It’s hard to make friends as an adult, but an in-person group activity opens the door to friendship opportunities and community support.
- Shop Independent Businesses – Feel good about who you’re giving your hard-earned money to! Support people directly without the added costs of importation. Farmers markets are a good option for fresh produce. Pop-up artist markets are also a great way to shop small, but I’ve found that some vendors at the more generic markets are just dropshippers who buy bulk from cheap wholesalers like Aliexpress. Vet the markets and sellers, because there really are some great ones out there with hardworking, creative local artists.
- Take Public Transportation – Oil corporations are notoriously bad in terms of environmental impact and lobbying power. Unfortunately, they are difficult to avoid in municipalities with car-centric infrastructure. I encourage taking advantage of transit offerings when possible. You’ll save money on gas, parking, and Uber prices (especially for events like games or concerts). Plus, you avoid the stress of driving. Taking transit was a huge adjustment for me because it was so new and seemed overwhelming, but it’s typically straightforward and easy. Some people hesitate to use transit due to certain fears about certain riders, but remember that everyone has places to go. As with any crowded space, just be aware of your surroundings.
- Unfollow Brands & Influencers – As a web marketing manager, I cannot emphasize this point enough. Again, remove the source of temptation altogether. Brands exist to sell you things, and they understand the influencer economy; they know that you are more likely to buy items from creators you respect. Influencers are paid by brands to influence their following to purchase products they may or may not even have faith in.
- Don’t Click Ads – They are designed and algorithmically curated to appeal to you. Be immune to marketing ploys! Don’t give companies your data! Don’t buy stuff you weren’t actively shopping for. And remember this: If the service or product is free, then you are the product. If they aren’t taking your money, they are taking your data and your time.
- Learn New Skills – Learning a new skill is incredibly rewarding. If you learn how to make and fix things, you won’t be spending money fully installing or replacing items! Sewing, woodworking, refinishing, knitting, gardening, and painting are just a few examples of DIY skills. Artistic skills make for great personal and inexpensive gifts for friends and family, or art trades as well (bring back bartering, seriously). YouTube and WikiHow will guide you along, or you can reach out to people in your network who have the skills you seek. Additionally, if you are looking for an item or skill outside your expertise, consult your social network or community first. A trusted individual might offer exactly what you’re looking for.
- Find Free Stuff Groups – There are online groups and forums
(e.g. NextDoor, Craigslist) where people post free items for local pickup. Just search “free stuff [your city].” Another great way to acquire free, nice things is learning when local university move-out days are and offering item pickup. - Ask Key Questions Before Buying :
- Do I need this item?
- How long have I wanted this item?
- Does the cost reflect the value? (i.e. am I paying for the quality or the brand name?)
- How will it serve me?
- Will it last?
In the U.S., the wealth gap has increased significantly since the 1980s. According to data compiled by Progress for the People, the top 1% of income earners grew their income by 194% from 1980 to 2014, whereas the bottom 50% shrank from 129% to 21%. This distribution has created a dramatic imbalance of political power. Our government is supposed to work for us, but billionaires have lobbied for favorable economic policies that have continued to drive income and wealth inequality. When we are spread across such a large area and strategically disempowered, contributing to political change can feel futile. Peaceful protests feel more symbolic than anything, and many people are inclined to give in to helplessness, acceptance, or apathy. This is not a partisan issue; we need to band together to hit corporations where it hurts: their wallet.
Change takes time, and it starts with being informed. So much of our consumption hinges upon convenience and isolation from our communities. If we remove these factors, we spend our time and money much more intentionally, locally, and ethically. You’ll be able to organize your financial priorities. There is more beyond this list, but I want to keep things simple and accessible for now. You will save money, and you will feel good about it. You’ll even find that you aren’t missing out on much.
*Resources:
Free event locator – Find free events in your locale
Facebook Marketplace – Great for current Facebook users looking for free or low-cost secondhand items
Buy It For Life – Reddit forum for users to discuss lasting, quality brands and items.
Depop – Online resource for buying/selling curated secondhand clothes. Be conscious of the ethical implications of reselling used clothing when setting prices; keep it realistic and affordable.
*To be updated continually per community suggestions. Thank you to all the people who shared suggestions to add to this list. Feel free to leave suggestions in the comments so others can see them and I will edit accordingly. We’re in this together.