The global economy, which sees people as nothing more than consumers, is a runaway train that is causing more and more suffering in the world. The current 'profit before people' system is causing the gap between the very rich and the very poor to grow larger each year. Nothing symbolizes our society's emphasis on consumption more than "Black Friday" -- the day after Thanksgiving, when the media tells us we should begin the holiday season by waking up early and rushing out to the stores to BUY, BUY, BUY.

Around the world, many have decided to take a stand and use the day after Thanksgiving to organize Buy Nothing Day events and activities to raise awareness about the choices that we have to live our lives more simply and sustainably.

Money, when used for good, can help change the world. Put your resources to work for a better world on the other 364 days of the year. Be conscious of the way you spend your money. Purchase Fair Trade products - products that are supplied by workers and growers who are paid fair wages, and work in safe conditions. Support socially responsible businesses by purchasing their products and investing in them. Demand corporate responsibility -- with our purchasing power, we can force corporations to manufacture and distribute their goods in ways that respect workers and protect our planet. Take a bite out of corporate control by getting money out of politics. Support local currencies and cooperatives. These are all tangible ways that we can use our economic resources to "buy a better world" and transform the global economy.