The Power of the Buy Nothing Project
I discovered it’s more than a recycling gimmick
In July 2013, friends Rebecca Rockefeller and Liesl Clark began an experiment. Was a gift-giving economy sustainable?
Nearly eight years later, the answer is an astounding yes. The Buy Nothing Project’s thriving economy now boasts 1.5 million participants in at least 26 countries and is entirely run by volunteers.
How Does it Work?
Mainly using Facebook groups, members can post offers and requests.
Buy Nothing Project rules are simple. Post anything you’d like to give away, lend, or share amongst neighbors. Ask for anything you’d like to receive for free or borrow. Keep it legal. No hate speech. No buying or selling, no trades or bartering, we’re strictly a gift economy. — Buy Nothing Project
Facebook was chosen as the original method due to the popularity of the social media platform and the ease of setting up a group. However, other communication methods are also acceptable on the proviso that the group remains non-commercial and non-monetized.
The Buy Nothing Project has a simmer approach. Those offering goods are expected to leave the offer open for a specified time. This allows as many people as possible the opportunity to register their interest in your unwanted goodies. If there are multiple applicants, there are several options the giver can utilize: like pulling a name out of a hat or using an online random generator.
I used a random dog generator for a while by writing names on a piece of paper then piling treats on top. My dog, Rotto, would select which treat pile (or name) was the recipient. Rotto would proudly pose for a happy snap and show off the name in the group. Sadly (for Rotto), he always went to his left, so now I use a random name generator.
Anything and everything that can be gifted is available. In my Buy Nothing Facebook group, I have seen toys and equipment for young children pass from family to family. But Buy Nothing is not only beneficial to young families — there are a wide variety of items on offer. Anything goes — so long as it’s not illegal! The old saying one person’s trash is another’s treasure has never seemed so apt.
I first became involved when I was roped into hosting a clothes swap! We have diverted massive amounts of things from landfill and encouraged people to rethink buying new products. I enjoy the nature of not only reducing waste but doing it in a way that fosters community building. I’ve met many people within walking distance of my house. — Rebecca Stuchbery admin Bassendean NE Buy Nothing
Community building
The aim is not only to send fewer goods to landfill but to build a community. Requests are frequently made to loan goods — which in turn fosters community building.
My local Buy Nothing group is as active with its requests as the gifts on offer. Many people in my local Buy Nothing group post a request rather than heading straight to the shops. Using a pay-it-forward system, they ask for goods they’re looking for. After all, you never know what someone else has sitting neglected in their spare room.
Budding chefs often request cooking utensils typically used for a special occasion. There is even a traveling suitcase filled with different size cake tins suitable for all sorts of elaborate birthday cakes. Requests for silly items to complete dress-ups also pop up from time-to-time.
The Buy Nothing groups are an ideal way to connect with your neighbors. It’s also a safe place to request a helping hand. Asking for a helping hand ranges from the usual to the not-so-usual.
- Need someone to walk your dog for you after surgery?
- Help with your CV?
- Need someone with a bigger car to pick up the treasure you just scored on Buy Nothing?
I once asked if I could read to children aged 6–8. I had a looming deadline for a literary competition I was judging. Usually, I would read to children during my day job as a school librarian. However, school had finished for the summer, so instead, I read to children from my neighborhood.
It doesn’t need to be a service or helping hand. Community building comes in all formats. We’ve even had a suggestion to get together to play board games.
The most beneficial aspect has been community building — something that I’m keen to develop further. Besides now knowing so many of my neighbors, we have also had fitness and social groups spring up. — Rebecca Stuchbery admin Bassendean NE Buy Nothing
Not that social?
The prospect of being part of a community doesn’t appeal to everyone. Nor is there an obligation to be part of the community when joining your local Buy Nothing group. I’ve done many exchanges contactless, including collecting a bag of stuff hanging from a tree in a yard. With two noisy dogs, I often leave goodies out in a set place for collection.
However, even if the social side doesn’t appeal you can still take part in a worthwhile project that has saved countless items from landfill.
Every little we do to reduce our carbon footprint helps.
