bezweek

Bezweek is a loosely defined cultural practice in which individuals, organizations, or communities designate a specific week as a period for minimizing consumption, reducing digital distractions, and re-evaluating daily priorities. Participants may limit shopping, curb nonessential spending, mute social media alerts, simplify meals, and spend more time on nature, reading, or hands-on projects. The rules vary widely, but the common aim is to create conditions that interrupt habitual behavior, foster mindfulness, and encourage sustainability and well‑being. Bezweek is voluntary and can be adopted as a personal challenge, a school unit, or a local community event.

The term blends bez-, a prefix meaning without in several Slavic languages, with week. It began to appear in online discussions and minimalist blogs in the 2010s and has since circulated in social media, lifestyle sites, and self-help forums. There is no centralized authority or calendar; participation is informal and context-dependent.

Practices during bezweek include no-spend days, reduced screen time, and a focus on shared or repaired goods rather than new purchases. Some workplaces run bezweek as part of sustainability or wellness programs, hosting workshops or challenges. Community groups may organize swap meets, repair cafes, or guided nature activities to support collective participation.

Critics argue that bezweek can feel performative or culturally generic, and it may overlook structural factors that affect consumption. Proponents view it as a constructive prompt to reassess habits and to build resilience against consumerism. Related concepts include digital detox and no-spend weeks.