Saying "No" - recap of Anti-Consumption this year

There’s luckily still a powerful shift underway. Anti-consumption is no longer a niche lifestyle—it’s entering the headlines and hitting economies, cultures, and brands where it matters most.

A short summary what happend last year in the following - hope it will improve and politics is behind all of us?

1. No-Buy 2025 Goes Mainstream
   On this great TikTok thing the so-called #NoBuy trend started last year 2024 and evolved into No-Buy 2025, a great movement encouraging participants,especially Gen-Z, to restrict purchases to essentials only. Main drivers include economic uncertainty, climate awareness, and mental health concerns. Resulted in a lot folks rediscovering non-spending pleasures like free community resources—and reevaluating their values.
   (Check also Investopedia)
   For brands, the shift is being felt in real money / USD / Euro. Forbes reports luxury labels are under pressure as underconsumption takes hold, LVMH saw sales decline, suggesting deeper cultural recalibration is underway.
   (More on Forbes)

2. The “Economic Blackout” Protest
   Early that year, around Feb 2025, People’s Union USA organized a day long economic blackout, urging US guys to refrain from non-essential spending—especially at major retailers. Result was mixed as some small businesses saw upticks, others reported hardly any change.
   (AP News)
   Some celebs came in with Bette Midler and the movement has momentum, not sure future boycotts targeting Amazon or Walmart already in real planning or make an effect
   (Time)
   Fingers crossed it will change things for good for all of us.