Buy Nothing

14 Apr 2022

I am a member of the Bryant/Bancroft Buy Nothing Group. Since I've joined this voluntary group I've given away dozens of items ranging from a Mother-of-the Groom gown to furniture to food to arts & crafts supplies to fresh flowers to jigsaw puzzles and a Christmas tree. I've received boots, toys, books, assistance setting up a new phone, baby & kids' clothing, food, small items for gifting and much, much more!

My favorite thing about Buy Nothing is that it keeps stuff, especially plastic toys, out of the waste stream. It prevents waste and helps out neighbors who are looking for just that one little screw rather than going out and buying a whole boxful. And it brings us together -- I've met so many neighbors and made friends with them! It builds community, which supports mental health and safety.

From the Buy Nothing website: "Buy Nothing. Give Freely. Share creatively. We offer members a way to give and receive, share, lend, and express gratitude through a worldwide network of local gift economies in which the true wealth is the web of connections formed between people who are real-life neighbors. Post anything you'd like to give away, lend, or share in this Buy Nothing community group. Ask for anything you'd like to receive for free or borrow."

Looking for a Buy Nothing group near you? Visit our Join Buy Nothing page for a list of Buy Nothing local gift economies around the world: (External link)https://buynothingproject.org/find-a-group/(External link)

Amy Maas almost 3 years ago
Thanks for sharing about your experience with Buy Nothing, Jane!