Category Archives: Social Action

Top 5 Ads for Buy Nothing Day: November 23

  By Donna DeForbes | November 22, 2012 - 5:00 pm | , ,
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Buy Nothing Day (BND) was founded in the early 1990s by Vancouver artist Ted Dave and subsequently promoted by Adbusters magazine until it grew into a global event. In North America, it’s celebrated on Black Friday – one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Around the world, it’s celebrated on the last Saturday in November. The movement is a response to the gluttony of consumerism. For one day each year, BND suggests people detox from shopping and really live those 24 hours instead. That could mean hiking, meditating, reading, partying or spending time with family. It also encourages people to think about the effects of our impulsive and compulsive shopping habits. Buy Nothing Day UK According to Buy Nothing Day UK, “…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 … Continue reading →

Take Your Kids to Vote: Lessons Learned at the Polls

  By Donna DeForbes | November 5, 2012 - 9:46 am |
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Since she was two years old, Sofie has accompanied my husband and I to the polls. Back then she got excited about getting a sticker and swinging on the voting line rope barriers. Now she has some knowledge about what’s happening and makes comments like this. What lessons do our children learn from being part of the voting process? Their voice matters. It’s the basis of our American democracy and an exciting notion for kids who are often told what to do by all-knowing grownups. It feels powerful. Even though Sofie can’t yet vote for president, she likes knowing that one day she will get a say in the matter. People come in 50 shades of gray. And I’m not talking the erotic kind here. Kids are often taught that there is one, correct way to do something. Politics, on the other hand, is an arena of varying opinions and … Continue reading →

A Drop in the Bucket: My First Blood Donation

  By Donna DeForbes | June 15, 2012 - 9:04 am |
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So I have this bucket list of things I want to accomplish before my 40th birthday in August. It’s a short list, and yesterday I crossed off one more when I donated blood for the first time. This is not a big deal for many folks, but I’ve always been too scared, too squeamish. I am one of those people who hate needles. I cannot stand the sight of blood, real or fake. I get seasick and amusement-ride sick. I feel woozy just hearing about operations or accidents. For years I suffered under the belief that I’d pass out if I had blood dripping out of my arm for 15 minutes. I made the appointment for June 14, which I discovered was World Blood Donor Day. The stars were aligning, but I still felt nervous. I entered the Blood Donation Center informing all who would listen about my tendency toward … Continue reading →