Digest: Best of Buy Nothing

One of my favorite ways to participate in reuse is through the "gifting" economy, and primarily through Buy Nothing. Buy Nothing groups are local to your city or neighborhood, to make it super convenient to pickup or drop off items. If you haven't yet, check out the website to identify your local group; there are more mature groups on Facebook, as well as a less mature app.

On Buy Nothing, the only rule is that you "buy nothing", and you can both post items to give, respond to other people's posts to receive, or post "ask"s if you want to try to receive something from a neighbor before resorting to shopping. This is the modern version of "borrow a cup of sugar from your neighbor".

To show how much value these these types of groups can create in your community, this is just a sampling of my activity over the last 6 years:

Received

Tons of clothing. I especially loved this Liz Claiborne Rose Sweater (~ value $44), this plaid shirt ($23), this top ($39), and this purse ($65). 

Occasionally, folks would pass on new or like new items that were of high value, such as these Mugsy jeans ($108) or these Taos sandals ($125)

The most amusing item I was gifted (click to see videos!) was this ball pit for Meeko ($40), and the most unique item I was received was when someone smoked too much goat meat. (This is how we try new things with no financial risk. :) )

Overall, I have received well over $600 worth of value from my neighbors. 

 

Gave

40 deli containers similar to Gladware (~$60 value)

120+ empty egg cartons ($50)

100+ wine corks ($20) 

240+ shipping and moving boxes (up to $1200 value, depending on if people bought these retail or wholesale)

3 "ugly" holiday sweaters ($60)

7.5 ft Kirkland pre-lit Christmas tree ($500) along with ornament and star topper

Glass patio table ($40)

Many previous model electronics (ex. Fitbit and DVD player) and accessories when I upgrade

Lots of miscellaneous kitchen accessories, art supplies, and picture frames

Overall, I have given over $2200 worth of value to my neighbors, much of which most people would consider "trash" or just recycle.

Between giving and receiving, my participation in Buy Nothing has recirculated over $2800 of goods in the last 6 years. Now consider the possibilities when you multiple by all the members (7.5 Million!) in the group and all the groups (128000 Buy Nothing communities)!