U.S. consumers are being encouraged to abstain from purchasing any non-essential goods on Feb. 28 as part of a 24-hour buying blackout that aims to showcase the economic power of everyday people.

A group called "The People's Union" wants Americans to stop spending on fast food, gas and at major retailers on Feb. 28 as a protest against rising prices and the power of corporations -- others are curbing their spending at businesses like Amazon and Walmart that recently removed references to diversity,