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What to know about the Feb. 28 "economic blackout"
A grassroots movement is calling on Americans to abstain from shopping with major retailers on Feb. 28 as part of an "economic blackout."
Why it matters: The economic protest comes as many everyday Americans struggle to keep up in the current financial landscape, characterized by high housing costs, surging egg prices and stubborn inflation.
Between the lines: This week's economic blackout is the latest, but not the first, grassroots movement against consumerism that has gained steam in the face of high costs of living.
- Earlier this year the "no buy 2025" challenge gained traction on social media for similar reasons.
Who is behind it?
The Feb. 28 economic blackout is an initiative by The People's Union USA, which describes itself as a "grassroots movement dedicated to economic resistance, government accountability, and corporate reform."
- The group says it has no political affiliation but is rather focused on uniting Americans against corporate greed.
- The movement was founded by John Schwarz, who describes his movement as raising awareness about the ways the "system is rigged" against everyday Americans.
What is the economic blackout?
The Feb. 28 economic blackout calls on consumers to avoid all unnecessary purchases, either in-person or online, from midnight Thursday through midnight Friday.
- "No Amazon, No Walmart, No Best Buy," The People's Union USA website reads. "Nowhere!"
- It further urges participants not to spend money on fast food, major retailers or gas, and to avoid using credit or debit cards to make nonessential purchases.
- The blackout makes an exception for buying "essentials of absolutely necessary" β like medicine, food or emergency supplies β but urges consumers to make those purchases at small, local businesses.
Zoom in: The People's Union USA has other targeted economic actions planned for after the blackout.
- These include weeklong blackouts against specific retailers, including Amazon, NestlΓ© and Walmart.
What is the goal?
The economic blackout is "about solidarity and sending a clear message: we have the power," the group's website states.
- Schwarz echoed the sentiment in an Instagram video posted last week, saying the blackout is meant to push back against the notion that Americans have "no choice" but to accept the economic system.
- "For our entire lives, they have told us we have no choice ... that we have to accept these insane prices, the corporate greed, the billionaire tax breaks, all while we struggle to just to get by," he said.
- "For one day, we are going to finally turn the tables," he added.
Our thought bubble, from Axios' Ben Berkowitz: Boycott threats regularly make headlines, but their impact is usually more optical than financial.
- In fact, decades of research into boycotts suggest they often end up having a counterintuitively positive effect, as a larger, silent majority votes with their dollars by shopping instead of staying home.
- In 2014, the #BoycottBlackFriday movement after the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., did appear to have some short-term impact, as total sales during that key weekend fell versus 2013. But if there was an effect, it didn't last, as overall sales for the year's holiday season rose.
Go deeper: Shoppers are avoiding certain brands over politics: poll
I love to travel but hate crowds. These 5 East Coast towns are excellent alternatives to the usual hotspots.
Chansak Joe/Shutterstock
- I love popular cities, but there are gems on the East Coast I like to visit to avoid big crowds.
- Ocracoke is more secluded but as beachy as more popular towns in Outer Banks, North Carolina.
- Instead of Miami, try exploring more laid-back beach towns in South Walton, Florida.
As a DC-area native who's been traveling up and down the coast all my life, I've experienced all the big hitters.
I've spent hours in line waiting to grab a beer in Asheville and get ice cream in Nags Head. I've pushed my way through Times Square and crowded Miami bars.
I still appreciate the allure of these ultra-popular cities and towns, but I'm over the chaos and crowds that come with them.
Luckily, I've found plenty of lesser-known-yet-equally-worthwhile spots dotting the East Coast that I think offer similar vibes as big-name places but with far fewer tourists.
Hayley Hutson
Washington, DC, is one of my favorite cities on the planet. However, with its many historic sites, museums, and events, it can be packed with visitors no matter what time of year you visit.
For a more peaceful destination with less traffic that also has a rich heritage and spectacular food, head an hour away to Middleburg in Virginia's wine country.
You'll find quiet, tree-lined streets lined with charming shops, galleries, and classy restaurants. At the circa-1728 Red Fox Inn & Tavern, you can eat and sleep where former presidents like John F. Kennedy once were.
I love strolling past historic buildings and visiting spots steeped in American Civil War history, like Mt. Defiance Historic Park.
When it's time for a bite, I suggest visiting King Street Oyster Bar for fresh seafood and The Bistro at Goodstone Inn for farm-to-table dining.
DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images
Asheville has gained well-deserved recognition over the last decade for its breweries, artsy vibes, and stunning scenery. It's absolutely worth visiting.
However, if you want the same Blue Ridge charm with more breathing room, I'd recommend heading to Roanoke, Virginia.
This gem has a thriving arts district, an emerging craft-beer scene, and its own showstopping mountain landscapes. You can peruse the exhibits at the Taubman Museum of Art, shop for funky antiques in Grandin Village, and grab brews at Big Lick Brewing.
Whether you're driving the Blue Ridge Parkway or hiking McAfee Knob, you'll find panoramic views similar to the ones people love in Asheville.
Eifel Kreutz/Getty Images
I've spent vacations on the Outer Banks for as long as I can remember, and I never grow tired of the pristine coastline and laid-back villages
Although I love the region's popular and family-friendly Nags Head, it can get especially crowded in the summer. If you're looking for a nearby spot that's more secluded, Ocracoke is not to be missed.
Ocracoke is primarily accessible by ferry, so it pairs the same coastal beauty with an off-the-grid vibe. Its beaches feel unspoiled and its seafood joints are rarely overcrowded.
It's great for beach bums, history buffs, and nature lovers alike.
I've biked coastal wooded paths, seen remnants of wrecked pirate ships, and learned about Blackbeard's ties to the island at the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum. I've also eaten my weight in raw oysters at Ocracoke Oyster Co., but that's another story.
Terri Peters
I've spent plenty of time in glitzy Miami. If you love its white-sand beaches and vibrant nightlife, but can't stand the gridlocked traffic, consider trying a trip to South Walton.
Tucked along the legendary Highway 30A, South Walton is home to several beach communities that each bring their own flair to the table.
In Seaside, you'll find pastel-colored cottages (made famous by "The Truman Show"), along with outdoor concerts, epic sunsets, and beachfront movie nights.
Alys Beach has white-washed Mediterranean buildings and trendy bars. Grayton Beach pairs its "Old Florida" aesthetic with upscale shops and art galleries.
It may not be Miami β nothing can be β but South Walton has many of the elements that attract tourists there with a more relaxed pace.
PapaBear/Getty Images/iStockphoto
New York City is world-famous for its art, culture, and food (it has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other US city).
However, if you're ready to escape the crowds and traffic that come with all that, try Hudson. It has NYC coolness but with more fresh air and fewer people.
You get stellar farm-to-table restaurants (like feast & floret and Lil' Deb's Oasis), Brooklyn-esque art galleries, and high-end boutiques with one-of-a-kind designs. If you want to see a live performance, choose between options at the Hudson Opera House and Basilica Hudson.
If you love lounging in Central Park, spend some time at Promenade Hill Park or Greenport Conservation Area for views of the Catskill Mountains and Hudson River.
We moved from Philadelphia to Puerto Rico. Parenting on the island is way easier.
Courtesy of the author
- My family moved from Philadelphia to Puerto Rico in 2017 because of my husband's job.
- We downsized our belongings and only took six suitcases with us.
- The weather in Puerto Rico is great, and everyone is so friendly.
I've always wanted to live in Puerto Rico, so when we were asked to relocate from Philadelphia to the island for my husband's job in 2017, I didn't need to be asked twice.
We already had family on the island, and I was excited to stop working my full-time nursing job and spend more time with my almost 3-year-old and 5-year-old. We downsized nearly all our belongings and arrived on the island with six suitcases, four backpacks, and two car seats.
Living near the beach was important to me, but we also needed to be within a reasonable distance of my husband's job. This meant settling over an hour away from our family. With them being set in their ways, they weren't willing to make the trip to visit us. Suddenly, I found myself alone with the kids most of the time, where I knew no one, wasn't yet fluent in the language, and didn't have a car β all while my Spanish-speaking husband was at work.
Still, it was the best decision ever.
Everyone is warm and friendly
To say we didn't face challenges at first would be untrue. However, we quickly discovered that Puerto Rico's culture is deeply family-oriented, with a warm and loving community that embraces children. You are always greeted with "Buenos dias" and a smile wherever you go. Kids are celebrated and not viewed as a disturbance at restaurants and events. Coming from Philadelphia, where people can be cold and don't make eye contact, it took a little getting used to people saying hello or telling us "Buen provecho" (enjoy your food) while dining out.
Eight months after moving to the island, I found out I was pregnant again. Instead of celebrating, my mind was racing, trying to figure out how I would receive care, where I would give birth, and how I would add another baby to our adventure that had only just begun. My worries faded once I brought him home and witnessed the kindness of neighbors and strangers offering to help. Every time we went out, he became the center of attention, and people went out of their way to ensure we felt comfortable and safe.
I love how men and even teenage boys are never hesitant around babies and children and are always quick to smile and say, "QuΓ© lindo" (how cute). I also never felt uncomfortable breastfeeding my baby in public, which made my breastfeeding journey easy and enjoyable.
People have helped us when needed
I have traveled to many places, and Puerto Rico has the friendliest people I've ever met. We've been through several hurricanes and I'm always in awe of how everyone bands together to help each other, especially to ensure the kids are fed and safe. I have seen more random acts of kindness on the island than anywhere else. People are always willing to help, whether it's to assist in crossing the street with your child, carrying your grocery bags, or changing your flat tire.
The weather in Puerto Rico is gorgeous year-round, like an endless summer. There is natural beauty everywhere you turn, from beaches to mountains and rivers. We spend most of our time outside, which allows us to stay healthy. Exposure to clean air and sunshine helps us not get sick often. Having access to nature helps us save money as well. Puerto Rico can be expensive, but most days, all we need is gas money and a little extra cash to order food if we haven't packed a lunch.
We've been fortunate to build a great community and have friends we can count on to meet up to play or get dinner. We get to experience activities in many parts of the island. My kids get to experience their culture and are constantly immersed in Spanish. My children's teachers are some of the most loving people I have ever met, which helps them feel safe and secure.
Although my children don't have many of the modern conveniences that kids do on the mainland, I feel like they have a fuller life. We've learned to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life, such as working electricity, spending quality time, and watching the sunset at the beach.
Living in Puerto Rico has made me realize how much more enjoyable and easier it is to raise children on the island.