November 25, 2023 is the international ‘Buy Nothing Day’. An opportunity to visit the “KostNix store” in Innsbruck, which was founded in 2007. It is probably the only store in Tyrol where you can ‘shop’ without paying. A curiosity that has received a lot of positive feedback.
You can’t buy anything here, take everything with you. Although there is no cash register in the “KostNix store” (at most a donation box), it rings in other stores. The pre-Christmas activities have begun. Traditionally (i.e. imported from America) initiated by ‘Black Friday’, the black Friday when retailers draw cheap offers, and extended into a black weekend. Yes, we are now dealing with a very dark week.
At the same time, the international ‘Buy Nothing Day’, which falls on the last Saturday of November in Europe, falls on the last Friday in America – exactly on ‘Black Friday’. The ‘Buy Nothing Day’ emerged in 1992 from criticism of consumerism, with the criticism mainly aimed at the human and nature exploitative conditions in the production of large companies and the throw-away society. Purchasing behavior must also be reflected: do you really need everything you buy?
Against exploitation of people and nature
The ‘KostNix store’ on Innstrasse in Innsbruck also emerged from criticism of consumerism. Clothes, games, puzzles, dishes – here everyone can take what they need – without paying anything for it. “Many people are really surprised when they come to us for the first time. Some people want to bring something else in return or donate something,” both are possible, “but actually nothing is needed,” Carina Moiz explains. She has been working for the store for about ten years, just like everyone else, on a voluntary basis. Conversely, everyone can also take something with them that he or she no longer needs, but can be useful to others.
The ‘customers’ are a diverse mix, during opening hours the store is usually busy, ‘there are already many people waiting in front of the door.’ It is about conscious use of resources, solidarity and togetherness. “The question is not how much it costs, but whether I can use it,” is the store’s motto. Since Carina arrived, she has also thought more often about what she really needs and what she doesn’t – and she has discovered a few things for herself. She believes there should be a “KostNix store” in every community.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
