Capitalism is a system that prioritizes profits over people. It rewards those who are able to accumulate wealth, often at the expense of others. As such, it can be challenging to lead an anti-capitalist life in a capitalist world. But it is not impossible. With a bit of creativity and dedication, it is possible to live a life that resists the values and structures of capitalism. Here are 30 ways to lead an anti-capitalist life in a capitalist world.

See also

• 5 Benefits of Frugalism: Saving Money to Improve Your Life
• Living More Frugally: Tips and Strategies
• Sustainability (category)

Contents

Buy secondhand

One of the most effective ways to resist capitalism is to buy secondhand. By doing so, you are not supporting the production of new goods and are reducing the demand for new products.

Support worker-owned cooperatives

Rather than supporting companies that prioritize profits over their employees, support worker-owned cooperatives where workers have a say in how the company is run and profits are shared equally among all workers.

Barter and trade

Rather than using money to exchange goods and services, consider bartering or trading. This allows for a more equitable exchange of goods and services, as opposed to a system that prioritizes those who have more money.

Share resources

Sharing resources with others is an excellent way to resist the values of capitalism. This can include sharing tools, vehicles, or even living spaces.

Support local businesses

Rather than supporting large corporations, support local businesses that are owned and operated by members of the community. No matter where you end up buying – the general rule is that businesses like Amazon are a no-go when it comes to leading an anti-capitalist lifestyle.

Grow your own food

Growing your own food is a powerful way to resist capitalism. By doing so, you are taking control of your own food production and reducing your dependence on a system that prioritizes profit over sustainability.

Participate in the sharing economy

The sharing economy is a growing movement that prioritizes sharing resources and services rather than owning them. Consider participating in sharing economy platforms.

Participate in the gift economy

The gift economy is a system of exchange where goods and services are given without the expectation of anything in return. Participating in the gift economy is a powerful way to resist the values of capitalism.

Support community-supported agriculture

Community-supported agriculture programs allow individuals to support local farmers by purchasing a share of the farm’s produce in advance. This is an excellent way to support sustainable farming practices and reduce the demand for industrial agriculture.

Buy fair trade products

Fair trade products are produced under ethical and sustainable conditions, and the producers are paid a fair wage. By buying fair trade products, you are supporting a more equitable and sustainable economy. But attention: Only some of the fair trade labels are actually valuable.

Support worker strikes

When workers go on strike to demand better working conditions or higher wages, support their efforts by not crossing the picket line and boycotting the company in question. Even better: Join their demonstrations or support the PR.

Support political candidates who prioritize people over profits

When it comes time to vote, support political candidates who prioritize people over profits and who are committed to creating a more equitable society. Spoil your ballot if you cannot find anyone as this can still show your discontentment.

Participate in community organizing

Participating in community organizing efforts is an excellent way to resist the values of capitalism. By working together with others in your community, you can effect change and build a more equitable society.

Reduce your consumption

One of the most effective ways to resist capitalism is to reduce your consumption. By doing so, you are reducing the demand for goods and services that are produced under exploitative conditions. This of course doesn’t mean to stop buying food or jeans when you need to – but it means, for example, to cut oneself off from fast fashion and useless consumption. You can find more tips in our article about frugalism.

Use public transportation

Using public transportation is an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint and resist the values of capitalism. By reducing your dependence on cars, you are reducing the demand for oil and the environmental impact of transportation.

Invest in socially responsible companies

If you must invest in the stock market, consider investing in socially responsible companies that prioritize environmental sustainability and social justice.

Support public goods and services

Rather than supporting privatization of public goods and services, support efforts to expand and improve public services, such as healthcare, education, and transportation. This ensures that these essential services remain accessible to everyone, rather than only those who can afford them.

Participate in community-supported art

Community-supported art programs allow individuals to support local artists by purchasing a share of their work in advance. This is an excellent way to support creativity and culture in your community.

Support independent media

Independent media outlets provide an alternative to corporate media, which often prioritizes profit over accurate and unbiased reporting. By supporting independent media, you are supporting a more diverse and democratic media landscape.

Support grassroots political movements

Grassroots political movements, such as Black Lives Matter or the Sunrise Movement, are an excellent way to resist the values of capitalism and promote social justice. By supporting these movements, you are working towards a more equitable and just society.

Volunteer your time

Volunteering your time and skills is an excellent way to resist capitalism. By offering your services without the expectation of monetary compensation, you are promoting the value of community and cooperation over individual profit. With that being said, you of course still need income under capitalism, even if you are super frugal. If you are employed, you can instead try to get the most out of your job without exploiting other workers.

Support public libraries

Public libraries provide access to free knowledge and resources, and are an essential part of a democratic society. By supporting public libraries, you are promoting education and knowledge-sharing as a public good.

Use renewable energy sources

Using renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, is an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint and resist the values of capitalism. By reducing your dependence on fossil fuels, you are promoting a more sustainable future.

Support public parks and green spaces

Public parks and green spaces provide important ecological and recreational benefits, and are an essential part of a livable city. By supporting public parks and green spaces, you are promoting the value of public goods and services.

Participate in community gardens

Community gardens provide an opportunity to grow your own food and build community connections. By participating in community gardens, you are promoting sustainable food production and community resilience.

Support public transportation infrastructure

Public transportation infrastructure, such as bike lanes or public transit systems, are essential to reducing traffic congestion and promoting sustainable transportation. By supporting public transportation infrastructure, you are promoting the value of public goods and services.

Prioritize human connections over material possessions

Prioritizing human connections, such as spending time with loved ones or volunteering in your community, over accumulating material possessions is an excellent way to resist the values of capitalism. By valuing relationships over consumerism, you are promoting a more equitable and sustainable society.

Advocate for a living wage and worker rights

Advocating for a living wage, which ensures that all workers are paid enough to meet their basic needs, is an important way to resist the values of capitalism. By advocating for a living wage, you are promoting economic justice and worker rights.

Participate in the sharing of knowledge and skills

Sharing knowledge and skills with others is an excellent way to promote community resilience and self-sufficiency. By sharing your knowledge and skills with others, you are promoting a culture of cooperation and collaboration.

Support community land trusts

Community land trusts allow communities to collectively own and manage land, ensuring that it is used for the benefit of the community rather than for profit. By supporting community land trusts, you are promoting community ownership and control of resources.

Conclusion

In conclusion, leading an anti-capitalist life in a capitalist world is a challenge, but it is not fully impossible. By taking steps to reduce your consumption, support public goods and services, and promote community resilience and self-sufficiency, you can resist the values of capitalism and work towards a more equitable and sustainable society.

Remember that small actions can have a big impact and that by working together with others in your community, you can create positive change. It is also important to recognize that systemic change is needed to resist the economic giants in power and create a more just and equitable society. This requires advocating for policies and laws that challenge the current economic system, supporting political movements that prioritize social justice, and building alternative economic models that prioritize the needs of people and the planet over profit. But also without political change, you can decide to use anti-capitalist lifestyle choices in order to live in alignment with your values.

Ultimately, leading an anti-capitalist life is not just about individual choices and actions, but about working collectively to challenge and transform the economic system so you do not have to resort to the 30 ways we presented in this article.