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Start your own 'economic blackout'

Start your own 'economic blackout'

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As part of a political protest against corporate greed among other causes, a relatively unknown grassroots organization in the United States tried to make February 28 an economic blackout day.  

Called the People’s Union USA, the recently founded group by a meditation teacher invited consumers not to spend for 24 hours.  The movement was largely promoted via social media, and interestingly enough, early surveys indicated they would receive huge support.  But when February 28 came and went, retailers reported no negative impact on their usual sales, with some like Amazon even seeing a spike.

A quick scan online will offer many reasons for the ‘failure’ of the economic blackout, including lack of clarity (just exactly what the boycott is for and how it will benefit consumers).  And maybe, learning from the not so successful February 28, the same group is eyeing another round on March 28 – this time targeting two of the biggest US retailers and two leading consumer brands.

Closer to home, we occasionally come across boycott calls.  When a restaurant posts something on social media that backfires, or when a known personality calls out companies for poor products or poor service.  I recommend that when you do come across these types of protests, take it with a grain of salt.  People do make mistakes, and even companies have bad days so don’t be quick to write them off on the basis of one action or one feedback.

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And while the February 28 economic blackout across the seas did not quite have the results they were looking for, there were some good ideas that came from consumers themselves that I thought was worth considering.  There were at least 5 ideas that made me want to stage my own economic blackout, which you can easily do as well.

#1 No spending for 24 hours

Some consumers from the US posted that they brewed their morning coffee at home, packed a lunch to take to work or bought items they needed ahead of time.  This is something I would like to try, and over time, see if I can even make it a weekly thing.  If you budget your expenses, you can easily plan not to spend for 24 hours, even longer.  

#2 Or cut back on your weekly spend

Even better than skipping a day is to try and reduce your spending during the week.  If you make a daily stop to buy coffee on your way to work, why not make it at home and sip from your personal thermos or travel mug.  If you stop by for dinner before heading home, try not to, even if just once or twice.  Then track all these savings and set it aside for a personal reward that you can enjoy with no guilt because you have the funds for it.

 
 

#3 No to personal over-consumption

Other consumers have shared stories of tracking what they consume, and being careful not to get more than what they need.  Personal overconsumption, or buying more than what is necessary or sustainable, has become a new buzz word for consumers who are conscious about harming the environment and their own health.

For years, companies have used marketing strategies that encourage overconsumption, pushing you to buy 6 packs of drinks, dozens of bathroom tissue, or new styles of clothes.  Why not try to make conscious choices when you shop? And take better care of your belongings to make them last longer.

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#4 Support local brands and community-based stores

If you must spend, go local or buy from stores around your neighborhood.  This is one other way US consumers decided to ‘fire back’ at corporate greed.  Instead of going to the giant coffee chain, they enjoyed tea drinks at a local café.  When you support small businesses, you help create jobs and bring prosperity to your community.  

#5 Take positive action

Big or small, there’s a difference only you can make.  If you want companies to change and take notice, let it start with you.  I once noticed that in the same mall, from the same retailer, the same item had different prices depending where you bought it.  I wrote to the company and was surprised that they replied and said the ‘error’ had been corrected.  

You can do it alone to start, but whenever possible, rally people around you that are also committed to making a positive change.  It’s not about closing down a restaurant, or cancelling a personality.  Make it about taking positive action to see positive change where the consumer truly wins.

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