An anti-capitalistic concept that works
Let me introduce to you, Kost-Nix (free of charge) shops
We live in a world, which is characterized by the greed to want more and more. To satisfy this desire we need money that we can spend on pretty new things. There are alternatives. This one may seem small, but it actually makes all the difference.
I came across this concept in a small town in Austria, taking part in a community project where I lived with the family of one of the co-owners. It’s a sharing store. You have toys and some clothes you don’t use anymore. You can bring them to this store in your town. A friendly voice greets you. Inside an old cash register on the counter. She takes your stuff and thanks you. When walking around, you find a pair of rollerskates. They are your size. You always wanted to try skating, but never made the effort to buy some. So you take them. If you don’t like them, you will just bring them back in a week. You say goodbye and walk home.
No exchange of money. It’s all free of charge.
When I first heard about this concept, I was skeptical.
Could this work? The mentality, nothing in life is for free is integrated deep into my brain.
How do they pay their rent?
People will just take everything at once.
I learned, that it does work. Not only in this small town, but these kinds of stores exist all over Austria, Germany, and probably other countries as well.
The Idea
Kost-Nix shops are a place where usable things can be dropped off and taken away, this happens independently of each other. The range of products includes items of daily use, from books, clothing, and shoes, to films, small electrical appliances like old phones, tableware, small furniture, and much more. It is meant as a social-economic project, to support more solidarity in society, and strengthen local communities.
It’s also a space for new ideas, meetings, and social exchange. Workshops are held on specific topics, that regard zero waste, and sustainability. Everybody is welcome to join and learn.
The Goal
share — rather than exchange
help together — rather than compete
These projects are intended to directly contribute to a more self-determined life, to help reduce economic constraints in the medium term, and to bridge human isolation. They stand for implementing more circularity into our lives and stand against economic force, exploitation, and capitalism.
Implementation
Everybody can help to shape this store. There are several Co-owners and sometimes non-governmental organizations, that share the responsibility. Volunteers help in the store. It is always in change.
The rent and electricity of the store are covered by the donations in the shop. As volunteers don’t have to be paid, that’s it about the costs.
A glance into a possible future
Stores like this, are all over the city. You want to repair your shelve. Just go around the corner to the sharing shop for tools and get a drilling machine and a hammer.
Want to go kayaking? Just go to the sharing shop for outdoor equipment. All kayaks are in use already? How about changing your plans and going stand-up paddling? You haven’t tried it before, but why not now?
If something breaks, there are repair stations, where people repair, reuse and upcycle items at every corner. We shifted towards a society, that barely produces any new items, but works with what is there.
For it to work we need to free ourselves from the mindset of ownership. This is mine, and therefore nobody else can use it. That an average drilling machine lays on a shelve for 99% of the time, is the other side of it.
We have enough, but we don’t have to own everything to feel like we do.
What you can do already
Ask and look around in your neighborhood. Maybe there are already similar projects like that, which you can visit or support.
Ask yourself, what do I really use from the things you own? Sort out the things you don’t need regularly and donate them to projects like this, or connect with your friends and neighbors. Maybe instead of buying yourself a lawn mower when you move into a house with a garden, ask your neighbors if you can use theirs. Offer to share the repair costs one day or maybe they can use an item in your garden in exchange.
Share ideas. Dream big. Act local. Together we can have an impact!
