Using eco-friendly products and trying to limit our output of pollutive substances can help control our effect on the environment, but efforts are easily counteracted by the fact that we are still provoked to consume more than we need- thanks to cheaply produced(and sold) goods, and marketing focused on fast-moving changes; a continuous stream of new products, new variations, and new designs. In turn, these factors raise differing quality issues which further intensify the impact of our affluence. Short life spans of consumer goods, and seasonal fashion trends demand for us to replace items frequently. On the other hand, over-designed packaging aimed at catching our attention lures us into desire, making us forget that the pretty bottle, bag or box is in fact a disposable object.

Essentially, Buy Nothing Day can help us start to redefine our personal understanding of the difference between need and want. Subsequently, we can address the need to make balanced decisions based on our new definitions, and want to take responsibility for our essentials' post-purchase life.

The BND UK website contains links to national pages for countries worldwide, and points of contact for more information. It also provides information on how to get involved in supporting events happening on the day, such as swap shops, zombie shopping, and shopper-free activity zones.