Here’s an interesting idea. Saturday November 25th 2006 is Buy Nothing Day (UK). According to the organisers, “it's a day where you switch off from shopping and tune into life. Anyone can take part provided they spend a day without spending.”

The idea of Buy Nothing Day is simple, shop less - live more. The challenge is to try simple living for a day, spend time with family and friends, rather than spend money on them.

Quite a tough challenge. Buy Nothing Day is about showing the environmental and ethical consequences of consumerism: the developed countries - only 20% of the world population - are consuming over 80% of the earth's natural resources, causing a disproportionate level of environmental damage and unfair distribution of wealth.

As consumers we need to question the products we buy and think about our own behaviour, and it’s consequences. What are the true risks to the environment and developing countries?

It's our responsibility to look for simple solutions and Buy Nothing Day is one good place to start.