Well, I definitely believe this is merely a symbolic act. Today is the biggest shopping day of the year in the US (and perhaps in other places as well), and most people do not choose to take part in Buy Nothing Day, continuing with their shopping. I don’t know the statistics, but I believe the number of people who take part are only around 10% of the population, and most of us are already not spending a lot most days. The financial impact of such activism is not truly that harmful, and the real point of the day is to raise awareness for the issues though the jamming and other activities performed during it.