It’s Economic Blackout Day: Here’s What I Hope Continues After 2/28/2025
The People’s Union, a non-political grassroots organization, is imploring U.S. citizens to refrain from spending on February 28, 2025.
Deemed “The 24-Hour Economic Blackout,” the protest is in response to the federal government’s rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives with additional weeklong boycotts planned for companies that have scaled back their DEI initiatives.
Screenshot of The 24-hour Economic Blackout on the People’s Union USA website. Screenshot taken 2/27/2025.
While major retailers can easily recoup a single day of reduced revenue, the boycott aims to inspire further actions to “disrupt the economy” (as stated on the People’s Union USA website).
In addition to sending a message to major retailers, boycotts like these also have the power to inspire consumers to shift their spending.
Here are the habits I’d like to see my fellow Americans adopt:
Reduce consumption
By reducing demand we reduce corporate profits.
Plus, buying less saves your wallet, time, and the environment.
The most effective way to buy less is to buy quality items that last, which saves on cost and the frustration of having to replace subpar items when they break.
Another way to reduce consumption is to buy secondhand, which keeps items from the landfill and reduces demand further.
Self-reliance
Homesteading is gaining momentum. What used to be a way of life is now a skill set we have to opt to learn.
But when we acquire the skills of self-reliance, we’re no longer dependent on consumerism.
Growing your own food, making your own cleaning products, and fixing things saves money and contributes to a less toxic, more healthy lifestyle.
While homesteading is a time commitment, adopting even the easiest methods will make an impact.
The Frenchie Gardener shares approachable tips for urban gardening that can be applied to small spaces, while Zero Waste Store shares tutorials on simple DIY projects as well as ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle.
Pay with cash
Paying with plastic puts money in the pockets of major credit card companies.
When you pay with cash you remove their cut while also saving businesses the expense of these credit card fees, which makes a difference to small businesses.
Plus, when we pay with cash we tend to spend less.
As a bonus, paying with cash makes your purchases untraceable, protecting your privacy.
And stop using Venmo too.
It can be challenging to switch over to cash payments. Here’s where to start:
Teeny purchases (coffee, lunch)
Purchases under $40
Services (manicures, massages, haircuts, photography
*Prioritize paying cash at small businesses. If I want a Starbucks, they’re getting my American Express. (See below.)
I still use my credit card:
Online
You can’t pay cash online unless you pay cash for a Visa gift card or use a debit card.
To protect my bank account, I don’t have a debit card. If your credit card is stolen it’s your credit card company’s responsibility to cancel/refund payments. If your debit card is stolen, the responsibility falls on you. And if the thief drained or severely reduced your bank account, that adds stress when trying to pay your bills.
Gas + Groceries
I receive 4% cash back on these purchases.
Big box stores + Corporations
Including utilities
Unfortunately, it’s hard to completely cut out Walmart, Amazon, and other large retailers. If I have to shop at a big box store, I always use my credit card. They can afford the credit card fee and I gain a small sense of satisfaction at forcing them to take that loss.
And when I spend with big companies whose values don’t align with mine, I pay with American Express because their fee is even higher than Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. Petty? Yes. Do I feel guilty? Nope.
Support small businesses
When making purchases, prioritize spending with local, small businesses to keep more money in your community, $68 for every $100 spent.
Spend that same amount with a chain business and only $43 stays within the community.
Limit social media usage
Just as the government can monitor your credit card purchases, they’re also monitoring your social media posts.
But beyond government spying, social media platforms themselves are data mines.
Just browse the ads that pop up on your Instagram feed. It’s like they’re tailored to you. That’s because they are.
Ensure you don’t allow apps to track your activity across other apps and websites and say no to non-essential cookies on websites.
Bonus: Bank With a Credit Union or Conscious Bank
Banks invest your money into projects and stocks that will provide them the biggest return on investment.
Credit unions are non-profit financial institutions typically with a community-oriented approach.
If you’re able to, shift your accounts to a credit union or a bank whose investments align with your values.
In my region, Walden Mutual Bank invests in farms, food businesses, and non-profits.
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In a capitalist society — especially where many of our politicians are bought by Big Pharma, Big Ag, and Corporate America — our most influential way to make change is with our purchasing decisions.
A one-day economic blackout may be a drop in the bucket for big corporations, but if consumers can keep the momentum going by reducing demand, paying cash, and prioritizing spending with small businesses, we can enact change.
If you enjoyed this post, you can buy me a coffee or connect with me here. Thank you! =)
Hey there! I’m Meg:
LOVER OF CATS, ROLLER SKATING, AND VW BUGS
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