When asked why they supported former president Donald Trump in the 2024 election, many voters stated that it was all about the economy, despite reports from economists that Trump policies like tariffs and mass deportations could drive inflation back up by 6%–9%.
Now that Trump is the next president-elect, questions are swirling about whether he will actually enact his proposed agenda — and some who voted against the twice-impeached convicted felon are thinking about ways to express their dissent. That’s where this thought-provoking viral video by 35-year-old Elysia Berman (@elysiaberman) comes in.
In the video, she says, “If there’s one thing that this election has taught me, it is that I will be doing nothing to stimulate his economy. I’ve been on a no-buy for the better part of a year, and I need you to understand that I will be doing this for another four fucking years.”
A no-buy challenge is pretty much what it sounds like: a set period of time during which certain nonessential purchases are put on hold. Elysia told BuzzFeed, “I am currently doing a no-buy for all of 2024. To the best of my abilities, I am abstaining from shopping. I’ve done no-buy July in previous years. My rules are typically no nonessential purchases but I do leave wiggle room for travel, dinners out, and entertainment.”
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In her video, Elysia explains that she’s extending her no-buy to hit Trump where it hurts — in the economy. “If there’s one thing I’ve realized, it’s that I will be doing fuck all to contribute to that orange buffoon’s economy. That man can never say, ‘My economy is so big. It’s so huge. We have the best economy ever when I’m president.’ Categorically false information, and he will not have a huge economy if I have anything to say about it.”
Elysia told BuzzFeed that she’s planning to opt out of the Trump economy as much as possible because she disagrees with the kinds of inflammatory rhetoric that he has normalized. “In my eyes, it seems like hate won because the transphobic, racist, sexist, and xenophobic remarks Trump has repeatedly made were not a dealbreaker for most people.”
And in the comments, it looks like a lot of other women are feeling similarly. One woman wrote, “I am with you. No desire to contribute to his economy.”
Another responded, “As a chronic spender the GDP is gonna take a HIT when i stop spending.”
In a follow-up video and via email with BuzzFeed, she shared six of her personal no-buy strategies and tips for sticking to the plan. Here’s what she had to say:
1.
“Number one, obviously, groceries aren’t included [in the no-buy]. But a major caveat: I think groceries should come from like a local farmers market, or if there’s a CSA [Community-Supported Agriculture] in your area, you can join that. Food co-ops are also a really good option if you live in a community that has one. Try and avoid the big grocery store chains.”
2.
“Another thing is to, unfortunately, let go of your Amazon Prime membership. We’re far too accustomed to getting things in two days or less… So things like Amazon Prime, Instacart, all of those things gotta go.”
3.
“Also look for local hardware stores and things like that. If you need, like, nails, don’t go to Home Depot. Unfortunately, a lot of people live in areas where these things don’t exist. So take this with a grain of salt.”
4.
“Another point that a lot of people brought up is like, ‘Well, what about small business?’ Obviously, it’s good to support small business. I will always support small businesses, but I would check their politics first; try and support women-owned, especially women of color.”
5.
Elysia also shared more ideas with BuzzFeed, saying, “Buy-Nothing groups on Facebook are a really great way to find what you need within your community. Additionally, clothing swap meets with friends and local closet sales within your community are all really great ways to buy clothing. If you do not have access to those, prioritize secondhand shopping wherever possible. Shop small and shop local, preferably from queer, female, or WOC-owned businesses. Check online to see which companies donated to Trump’s campaign or other conservative causes and avoid buying from there.”
6.
And she shared her advice for anyone who wants to try a no-buy but isn’t sure if they can stick to it. “In terms of STICKING to the actual no-buy, build in some wiggle room in your rules so you have space for purchases that you enjoy. The goal of this is to benefit YOUR wallet and send a message economically. We are not entitled to convenience, but we do have to find a way to enjoy our lives while on a no-buy.”
What do you think about Elysia’s plan? Have you ever done a no-buy challenge? Tell us about your personal no-buy rules and any tips or tricks that helped you succeed in the comments!
🗳 🇺🇲 Make your vote count! Learn more about how to register, important deadlines, and your state’s mail-in voting options here. For more on the 2024 election, check out coverage on BuzzFeed, HuffPost, and NBC News.
