Yes! My Grandma always talked about "borrowing" from people back when there wasn't so many things to go around. I feel we're back in those times now too. So, even if one can't give, lend kitchen items or tools. My grandparents lived in a community of "Oh, you can mow my lawn? I'll fix your family a meal!" ❤Money didn't have to be exchanged for people to get what they all needed.
I never felt shame over taking or the giving of free items. I just saw it as money smart (who doesn't need to hold on to their money right now?) and enviro friendly.
Same here. Also love getting rid of things I don’t need on mine. Pantry clean out, garage sale left overs, etc. Feels good knowing my items are being reused or used by someone who could use them. REDUCE AND REUSE , not just recycle. 🙌🏾
To which I'd probably reply, wow I thought that was just something they say on TV or something! Just like when someone actually objects at a wedding most are probably like "wow, I didn't know anyone actually did that"! Or that scene in the Simpsons where Bart's dog really does eat his homework!!
I got rid of a lot of things like plates I didn't need or clothes that didn't fit anyone was welcomed to take it from my porch I got rid of a lot of stuff I didn't need! And felt happy someone was using it instead
@@herrwahnsinn4229just the amount of items in general, in most houses there's extra. Hoarding collections are when there are twins, triplets, and septuplets of most of the house items. Most hoards end up unusable, and they wouldn't give it away. 😢
Sorta. Electronics and all that it takes to build them including the energy and electricity all horrific for the planet‼️ fyi including the yoga pants many lazy attention seeking people wear and many other items. 😂
That will help the people. Families are suffering. The big corps and renewable petrol will never stop what they are doing. Making more profits than ever before.
Back when I first started college, I posted on Facebook asking if anyone was getting rid of a study desk I could use for my room. I was forced to delete the post after I was shamed and scolded by parents . Weeks later I bought one from Amazon. Glad these movements exist.
You must have posted it before Facebook marketplace existed. Now you can LITERALLY shop for free desks. Craigslist also is bomb for free stuff. Just steer clear of the romance section other than that your good.
Should've clap back with something like "im just a student who's just entering college I don't have wages like y'all boomers, if u really care that much buy me one then"
@@LisaSoulLevelHealing paid Fridays, so pay any bills, weekly shop and fill car with gas, then , still like to eat out and do movies on a weekend, but Mon Tue We’d , take lunch into work , drink coffee at home. Spend nothing .
@@Joe-ti7qdThat's a good start. Brewing your own coffee from grounds is the most economical way and you can buy whichever beans you can afford. K-cups are convenient but wasteful and much more expensive. Also, the taste just doesn't quite hit right in my experience.
As a member of a Buy Nothing group, I love that we’re moving toward an “It-takes-a-village” mindset again because that’s how it used to be. A proper community must all work together to make sure the needs of the group AND the needs of an individual are met for everyone to successfully thrive.
That's why generational Homes worked for families until people started doing things on their own I believe we all need community to thrive and to know our neighbors.
"We need much less than we think we need" - Maya Angelou. I've been living a minimalist lifestyle for the past 5 years and won't ever go back to overconsuming. If I need anything I check FB local groups or thrift stores before buying new. Prices are insane these days.
Either that's or thrift stores or Amazon liquidation sites where where I live they charge one dollar ONLY to get rid of microwaves people return fridges and charges all for one dollar each item!!! It has been a game changer for my kitchen I'm so glad my husband pointed it out to me. Now Instead of stores I shop there!!! To get everything I need
I love my buy nothing group. I post things and sometimes I pick up things. Cycle economy is so great. We are all a community and trust each other. I feel blessed for that.
In my apartment building, we have hallway tables on each floor. The residents in here randomly leave things for free on the tables for any of us to take if we want it and I think it’s amazing! They leave all types of household items out there. I had been needing some new hangers for awhile, and one time I walked into the hall and saw literally a whole pack of hangers on the table. I took them right up to my apartment. It’s such a great idea! I’ll be sure to leave out stuff I don’t need anymore as well to return the favor! 😊
We used to have a spot at my old job where we'd put things we didn't want. I got some fancy Asian dishes, plants... It expanded into gathering things for local charities (coats, blankets, school supplies).
My apartment complex does the same thing. We have shelves to leave food or household items on. I got my whole apartment furnished for free from my property manager after being homeless and sleeping on the floor
Bartering was what was done back in the the day when money was scarce. If we could go back to that as a nation, maybe we could gain positive relationships and help others in need. Socially it would be great to meet your neighbors. We don't communicate like we should.
This is better than bartering. It's communicating and sharing. It's letting your neighbors borrow something they need for a party. Or giving food that you accidentally got the wrong kind of or something your kids don't want to eat. The idea is that you communicate and say why you are asking for something or why you are interested in something instead of saying "want" or "interested " like people do on buying groups.
Bartering is expecting something in return before you give something or having to give something in exchange to get something. In Buy Nothing Groups people give and receive, but they don't expect someone to trade something for a gift or a receive. People just give and receive freely within the group to help each other. Or they lend out their stuff when needed.
Bartering requires negotiating so there is a fair exchange. If I ever get something from my BN group that is less than satisfactory and it happens, it's no big deal. I'll pass it back into the group. I do think there are groups on social media that trade. Which is totally fine. But with BN its so much easier/
They always turn really mean after my Dad gives them things. They're scared to go after him directly, so they harass me and my Mom pretty aggressively.
@@jamiewilliams3179Goodwill is and always has been legally a non profit organization. They publish annual reports and you can go look at what they spend the money on.
I'm so surprised mainstream media aired this promotion of an anti-capitalist, community centered way of living. Yes, to all of it!!! Thank you for this important information. ❤️🙏
There's nothing wrong with capitalism. What you see today is crony-capitalism. There are many knock-offs today and the youth are getting mixed messages.
Sadly, 2 of our local buy nothing groups were completely taken over by resellers! You may want to give to someone who needs, but iti s often someone who wants to resell it! Vultures.
That shouldn't really come as a surprise, given the trend to "flip" things like houses or cars that people buy for low prices and then turn around and resell them at higher prices. Everyone is out to make a profit these days.
It’s also cool that niche items can get to a person who truly values the item, like that sowing machine was special to her and will be cared about, where it would be trash to a guy finding it in his aunts attic after she passed away.
When me and my husband moved into our home! We found a fridge but we didn't need it and random bike tires and buckets and I posted it left it at my front porch to whoever wanted to take them home. It makes me feel God that Items are being used in meaningful way.
Oh, and it's my number one tip for those who are decluttering their homes. Donating is not the best solution. Sure, it is better than just trashing useful items. But we know that most of what is donated is not rehomed. And we really need to work on our environmental footprint because we only have one planet, and when we throw something "away" it doesn't go away, it just goes to another place on our planet. The best thing you can do, is try giving your items directly to someone who can and will use it. And buy nothing is a perfect place to do that.
So true! I’m much happier to give something away if I know it is going to someone who will get good use out of it. Otherwise, I just hold onto items in my home “just in case”.
I joined a buy nothing group a week ago and needed some beads for friendship bracelets I’m planning to pass out at a concert. A few ladies were really nice to give me theirs.
Considering this economy who can afford to be buying anything beyond basic needs to survive? For a lot of people, it's not a choice to buy nothing...they can't afford to buy anything.
Yes to an extent. If you are making 35-40k+ you absolutely have the means and it comes down to how you spend. A lot of people have to make due with a much lower salary of 15k or even 20k in my state. Not because of the economy, but just because my state has always been high in the poverty rate and cost of living is a bit lower than most the country.
Have you ever heard of price gouging, corporate greed? "This economy" is mostly unregulated companies charging whatever they want for everything you need, paying richly to CEOs and stockholders, but the less possible to the workers. You might want to take a look at the channels More Perfect Union, or Richard Reich, but also to videos of American migrants who are discovering that in other countries they have rights that in the USA are called benefits, privileges, or commodities. And I'm not talking about rich European countries, but Latin America.
@@MariaMartinez-researcher please take an economic class and a government class. price gouging is illegal and free markets set the value. Communism is a failed system.
I'm in a very active neighborhood BN group in Texas. You can actually put things out that are damaged and broken--- as long as you say it in the post. Like maybe something needs a simple repair. I just picked up a toy chest. It needs a big scratch repaired. I'm good with that. And today another neighbor gave me some wood filler. A few days ago, I gave away a bunch of jewelry and the gal who picked it up is going to use it for parts for her jewelry making hobby. I would say proper etiquette is to disclose the condition, and even show a pic of the concerning area.
For sure! Our group is good about showing damage or saying, "It's broken and needs this but maybe you have the knowledge to make it work" kind of thing.
This is probably the biggest reason that I still have a Facebook account! My Buy Nothing group also has a swapmeet in a neighborhood park in the summer. Bring to give away, and take away what you can use. And you can chat with neighbors and meet new people.
I love this. It’s what we do at clothing swaps. 🙌🏾 People bring nice clothes, shoes, and accessories that we no longer wear or maybe never did and offer it to other swappers. It’s a win win!
Almost everything my sister got for her baby. She did not pay for she actually joined one of these groups and it’s so amazing so many mothers and no longer need some of the products they originally purchased. Maybe the only needed it for a few months and the product still works great there’s no need to throw it away so many mothers benefit from using it. So thankful for all the others that are willing to put in the effort to give these items away to mothers that will truly appreciate and need these products. This is what they mean with it takes a community to raise a child. This is a virtual community and they may not see this child, but their contribution has greatly benefited them.
Thanks for highlighting Buy Nothing Groups and how awesome they are! I’m a moderator for my local group and it has been fabulous in so many ways... not just saving money but meeting neighbors who can turn into friends and helping find items for your kids. I use unexpired foods posted to the group, which I'm chosen for, to fund a Free Little Food Pantry that I adopted. It keeps so many things out of the landfill and allows neighbors to enjoy items without having to pay for them. You can also offer and or ask for favors. Multiple wins all around, imo.
I been garbage picking as a hobby the last few months and I’ve found over 2k of things I needed around my house. Fridge, power washer, 2 iPads, full carpet sets, kitchen and bathroom sinks, all in one hp pc, and much more it’s crazy what people throw away these days and don’t bother donating
This is awesome. I’ve never heard of this. My family donates to a veterans organization but they don’t pick up furniture (no organization in my area does) even though it’s in great condition. I’m about to join a group and post everything. This is the best thing I’ve learned this year. ❤❤❤
Same. I always give to the veterans group by me…but I think it would be great to help my neighbors! I have tons to give away because I am simplifying and down sizing my life.
Our local precinct has a designated area outside for pick ups. Others do porch pick ups where the item is left outside for pick up. Sometimes it's done just between friends and neighbors
Im in a middle class very safe family type neighborhood so its very safe. I totally understand that not every place would be like that. There are creative ways to make it work.
I love this! And this story empowers me to want to do more 😃 Our community has had several "No Sale" Days where there are tables filled with things, anything at all, that people don't need anymore that anyone can take. The only rules are: Only take what you need, don't resell once you don't need it anymore and bring something you don't need to the event if you can 🙂Keep paying it forward.
Here in Japan, such groups tend to be called "Mottainai [name of city]", which means something like wasteful, regretful, or "it would be a shame" (a flexible word). I've given and received many things through the Mottainai Osaka group. Since most people travel by train, we often hand off portable goods at a train station convenient to the giver (even just handing it over the rail at the ticket gate so the receiver doesn't need to exit and re-enter). If it's something larger, of course the receiver has to arrange a car/truck and come to the home. In this very urban area, most people live in apartment buildings that have locking entrances, so meeting out front is not a security risk.
Years ago we had neighborhoods like this, dare I say “the good old days” when everyone helped each other out. This is a wonderful thing helps in so many ways. Bravo❣️🙏
This is a PERFECT WEAPON to send a message to greedy corporations who keep increasing prices to the consumer under the guise of inflation. I was just laid off from a major beverage company who filed bankruptcy. The corporate C.E.O. walked away with a 10.8 million dollar pension!!! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!!😡😡
Love this. It’s a win, win, win. Spend $0, reduce landfill waste, give an item a second loving home, reduce someone else’s clutter, and last but not least - increase trust and community!! ❤️
Also, I was able to acquire SO many things for the GrDaughter who is 2 now. They outgrow all that baby stuff SO FAST. The neighborhood has lots of families. I got car seats, strollers, toys, loads of books and loads of clothes. And more. After the Daughter in law (baby momma) was done, then she passed on to her friends. I am so grateful to the lady who started this all.
I really enjoyed my Buy Nothing group, I gave and received so much great stuff! My issues are: I don’t want to have to be on Facebook. And so much of it, in my neighborhood, is baby/kid stuff. Almost every post. So I barely go on anymore.
My mom has been a part of this group for a few years now, and it's such an amazing group full of generous people. It's like the saying, "one man's trash is another man's treasure." We've been able to help so many people with food, furniture, dishware, and other items that we simply didn't need anymore and would have donated to a thrift store. And when we were in dire need of something, there was always someone there who had what we needed! It's especially great to make friends this way. It just feels very safe and cozy all around. The groups are also relatively safe in that if a strange person joins or offers something weird, everyone in the community is immediately alerted and knows to avoid them.
I have gotten so many things off the buy nothing groups just picked up a Christmas tree someone didn’t want anymore and am donating it to a daycare that wants one for Christmas time!!! I’m sure the kids will love decorating it
Those groups are great. Your individual chance of getting something posted that you want isn’t super high, but your chance of getting rid of something you no longer use and that someone else near you wants is extremely good.
I have furnished a new immigrant family’s entire apartment from Buy Nothing group … a few if my neighbors even bought new items & donated to the family as well.
Another way to score free stuff is to wait outside your local goodwill and kindly intercept and ask for the items before they give it to goodwill… it’s a win for everyone and it gives a middle finger to that greedy corporation. especially if you need furniture
I've been a part of a buy nothing group for a year now and I LOVE it. Whether its the items I give or receive, all-around we're giving a second life to items that might otherwise end up trashed. Its also been a great way to meet the neighbors!
A little different because you have to join the group for where you live. It's super localized, maybe a square 2-5 miles or so, depending. And you deal with a lot of the same folks. But same concept in that it's free stuff. But because it's your neighbors, you're less likely to list something that's just falling to pieces (like I used to see on Freecylce).
Yea, y’all are definitely late to the party. I furnished my kids playroom through my buy nothing group - toy shelf, train table, kitchen set. I give away all clothes and toys that we no longer need, it’s a good system.
This summer after taking out our summer clothes and puttin away our winter clothes I realize we have so much clothes and its so tiring and takes up so much space that were not buyin any clothing at all this summer. Were gonna use everything we have and also donated many things we no longer like or doesnt fit
Do these people know the tremendous damage they're doing to their local economy, particularly when store after store is closing due to the financial crisis commerce is experiencing in the US? Truly appalling, especially coming from New York City, the commercial capital of the US and the World. I bet the many stores going out of business in NYC they'll have a strong message for them. Unbelievable
I *LOVE* my Buy Nothing group and HIGHLY recommend everyone to join their local BN group! You get to give away items to people who actually need/want them AND not donate it to corporations that claim to give back more than they do (ex. Value Village & Goodwill).
I usually just put stuff on the curb on a sunny mild day that isn’t garbage days. Usually it gets picked up within 48 hours. Got rid of most of my baby stuff and no inconvenience to me. Just hope to keep the thrifters and resellers out of these groups.
Great! Too bad you can’t Rent nothing group, but starting somewhere and setting trends can, hopefully, help prices come down. There will still be lots of waste. American consumerism is so ridiculous.
Been using my local buy nothing groups for over a decade! There are official and unofficial ones. Most of them are great, but once in a while you get a group that's a bunch of friends just giving things to each other but most of them are great!
Been in mine for 7 years. I moved to a new state/city and was buying something off of Craig's List... the guy I was buying from told me about BN and I was hooked!
Let's just go full circle and return to a barter economy and become untaxable if they're just gonna spend our money on foreign proxy wars and aid to the victims of our foreign proxy wars.
Been a part of BN for years. There are so many groups in my county. I think mine spans a 2 mile radius. There’s a listing right now for a piano! People also gift brand new stuff if they missed the return window.
Don't donate to Goodwill. So much stuff gets taken to the dump every day from excess donations and they keep raising prices to compete with Walmart and other retailers with new merchandise. No one wants to buy a used *whatever* for close to the same or more when they can buy it new. Post it for free in one of these groups or advertise it on Facebook for free and put it on the curb. You'll be surprised how fast people will come get it. That way you know your used stuff gets a new home where it can be appreciated instead of ending up in a dump or overpriced in a Goodwill.
Whatever. Yeah your life dictates when you need or don't.. this is a great spi n on bidens America.. it's great this buy nothing is great but it's become necessary in a bad economy. ..ppl should do this in good economies to help out the less fortunate .. .. this is the necessary steps to tale in this bs climate of the world today
In this economy you're kinda being forced to do things like that. I love the community aspect of this. I will definitely considered doing this if I ever move.
Now we got people making 200K a year living in big houses in the “buy nothing “ movement us poor people been living like this not by choice but by necessity
If this hasn't been ruined by greed and sales people I promise it will be. Hopefully these groups take on implementing strong requirements on locality or reputation to keep out those looking to exploit them for free inventory.
The whole concept sounds wonderful, except there are so many people out there that will take advantage of this group and the people that so lovingly give to it and turn around and take these things and sell them on social media. It’s hard to trust anyone to do the right thing anymore.🤷🏼♀️
The groups are hyper local and we all get to know each other. That really doesn't seem to be a problem in the BN groups. We would probably notice if Mrs. X had been gifted 17 dining room tables in the last year.
You don't make your address public. You can either share it privately with the person that is picking something up, meet at a public place, drop it off at their location... There are many options that don't require disclosing where you live.
Ultra processed foods, buy nothing groups, eat clean, etc…….. how come this is just now hitting the mainstream? I’ve known this for 15 or more years! 😂
What a privilege to pick something up for their beautiful wives who sought and found something for their home that they didn’t have to spend their $ on. 🏡
The well paid nationally syndicated anchors that are “just now learning about this” meanwhile everyone behind the scenes making far less… “oh yeah, we do this all the time” 😮 Sidenote: 85% of my kids birthday/Christmas gifts are from buy nothings
I have been preaching this for years! STOP CONSUMING AND BUYING TOO MUCH CRAP!!! We need to deal the billionaire corps a hard hit to their bottom line, NOW
I absolutely love that we are slowly moving away from the shame of getting something for free.
No one has ever been ashamed😂😂
Everyone likes free things. Ppl just stay anything on the internet to sound trendy
Yes! My Grandma always talked about "borrowing" from people back when there wasn't so many things to go around. I feel we're back in those times now too. So, even if one can't give, lend kitchen items or tools.
My grandparents lived in a community of "Oh, you can mow my lawn? I'll fix your family a meal!"
❤Money didn't have to be exchanged for people to get what they all needed.
Law 40 of 48: Anything offered for free is dangerous. It usually involves either a trick or a hidden obligation.
I never felt shame over taking or the giving of free items. I just saw it as money smart (who doesn't need to hold on to their money right now?) and enviro friendly.
I love my Buy Nothing Group. Save money, reduce waste, help your neighbors. It's the "Can I borrow a cup of sugar?" neighborly/community feeling.
The govts like what’s free?
Same here. Also love getting rid of things I don’t need on mine. Pantry clean out, garage sale left overs, etc. Feels good knowing my items are being reused or used by someone who could use them. REDUCE AND REUSE , not just recycle. 🙌🏾
Some neighbors will Stop buying and have no sugar to give away for free.
To which I'd probably reply, wow I thought that was just something they say on TV or something! Just like when someone actually objects at a wedding most are probably like "wow, I didn't know anyone actually did that"! Or that scene in the Simpsons where Bart's dog really does eat his homework!!
@@Ta50789we live with such abundance that we are FAR from that issue. And besides, people will buy stuff when no cup of sugar is available to borrow.
My parents always said "it costs no effort to ask. All someone can say is no".
“How did you get in my house?”
Amen
Your folks didn’t lie.
My mom used to say that too. She’s been gone for more than twenty years but I can hear her say that still plain as day. 😊
I bet they’d be proud of the cardboard sign mafia at all the intersections.
We should've done this a long time ago.
I love the idea of not wasting things. The amount of stuff we collect is ridiculous.
Stop wasting money folks!
I did this 13 years ago with my first car lol I got a completely free passenger seat
*that hoarders collect.
I got rid of a lot of things like plates I didn't need or clothes that didn't fit anyone was welcomed to take it from my porch I got rid of a lot of stuff I didn't need! And felt happy someone was using it instead
This idea has been around for decades It used to be called freecycle.
@@herrwahnsinn4229just the amount of items in general, in most houses there's extra. Hoarding collections are when there are twins, triplets, and septuplets of most of the house items. Most hoards end up unusable, and they wouldn't give it away. 😢
Finally the news covering an important topic that will help the environment
😂
Sorta. Electronics and all that it takes to build them including the energy and electricity all horrific for the planet‼️ fyi including the yoga pants many lazy attention seeking people wear and many other items. 😂
@@Whatnok I hope your life gets better for you so you stop taking your anger and frustration out on random people
That will help the people. Families are suffering. The big corps and renewable petrol will never stop what they are doing. Making more profits than ever before.
LOL
Back when I first started college, I posted on Facebook asking if anyone was getting rid of a study desk I could use for my room. I was forced to delete the post after I was shamed and scolded by parents . Weeks later I bought one from Amazon. Glad these movements exist.
I moved out of my apt and ending up giving UH students a lot of good house hold stuff. I could feel the appreciation from the exchange. aloha
Those parents are idiots for shaming you like that. They should know how expensive it is providing for a child and needing to pinch pennies.
You must have posted it before Facebook marketplace existed. Now you can LITERALLY shop for free desks.
Craigslist also is bomb for free stuff. Just steer clear of the romance section other than that your good.
@@benwagner5089right! They should’ve bought her one then if asking is so bad…
Should've clap back with something like "im just a student who's just entering college I don't have wages like y'all boomers, if u really care that much buy me one then"
I’ve started going a few days a week when I spend zero dollars. I’ve cut back on fast food, coffee daily . Subscriptions.
Buy nothing days are a good habit. Which days do you do that on?
@@LisaSoulLevelHealing only on days that ends in Y. It's amazing
@@LisaSoulLevelHealing paid Fridays, so pay any bills, weekly shop and fill car with gas, then , still like to eat out and do movies on a weekend, but Mon Tue We’d , take lunch into work , drink coffee at home. Spend nothing .
I went back to a traditional coffee pot instead of a kuerig and that seems to help save some money.
@@Joe-ti7qdThat's a good start. Brewing your own coffee from grounds is the most economical way and you can buy whichever beans you can afford. K-cups are convenient but wasteful and much more expensive. Also, the taste just doesn't quite hit right in my experience.
As a member of a Buy Nothing group, I love that we’re moving toward an “It-takes-a-village” mindset again because that’s how it used to be. A proper community must all work together to make sure the needs of the group AND the needs of an individual are met for everyone to successfully thrive.
Exactly! 👏
Absolutely beautiful. I love it.
That's why generational Homes worked for families until people started doing things on their own I believe we all need community to thrive and to know our neighbors.
We aren't a "propper community" we won't even stick to the most basic of social contracts.
"We need much less than we think we need" - Maya Angelou. I've been living a minimalist lifestyle for the past 5 years and won't ever go back to overconsuming. If I need anything I check FB local groups or thrift stores before buying new. Prices are insane these days.
Either that's or thrift stores or Amazon liquidation sites where where I live they charge one dollar ONLY to get rid of microwaves people return fridges and charges all for one dollar each item!!! It has been a game changer for my kitchen I'm so glad my husband pointed it out to me. Now Instead of stores I shop there!!! To get everything I need
@@rrrealqueenwhat are Amazon liquidation sites and how do I find them???
I love my buy nothing group. I post things and sometimes I pick up things. Cycle economy is so great. We are all a community and trust each other. I feel blessed for that.
In my apartment building, we have hallway tables on each floor. The residents in here randomly leave things for free on the tables for any of us to take if we want it and I think it’s amazing! They leave all types of household items out there.
I had been needing some new hangers for awhile, and one time I walked into the hall and saw literally a whole pack of hangers on the table. I took them right up to my apartment. It’s such a great idea!
I’ll be sure to leave out stuff I don’t need anymore as well to return the favor! 😊
Thats how it was in my college dorm. Got to use many great items and left those and others when I moved back home
😊👍
We used to have a spot at my old job where we'd put things we didn't want. I got some fancy Asian dishes, plants...
It expanded into gathering things for local charities (coats, blankets, school supplies).
Seems fishy. What if some of those are stolen merchandise
My apartment complex does the same thing. We have shelves to leave food or household items on. I got my whole apartment furnished for free from my property manager after being homeless and sleeping on the floor
Very smart in so many ways. Save the planet, save money
Bartering was what was done back in the the day when money was scarce. If we could go back to that as a nation, maybe we could gain positive relationships and help others in need. Socially it would be great to meet your neighbors. We don't communicate like we should.
This is better than bartering. It's communicating and sharing. It's letting your neighbors borrow something they need for a party. Or giving food that you accidentally got the wrong kind of or something your kids don't want to eat. The idea is that you communicate and say why you are asking for something or why you are interested in something instead of saying "want" or "interested " like people do on buying groups.
Umm...its called bartering ❤😂
Bartering is expecting something in return before you give something or having to give something in exchange to get something. In Buy Nothing Groups people give and receive, but they don't expect someone to trade something for a gift or a receive. People just give and receive freely within the group to help each other. Or they lend out their stuff when needed.
Bartering requires negotiating so there is a fair exchange. If I ever get something from my BN group that is less than satisfactory and it happens, it's no big deal. I'll pass it back into the group. I do think there are groups on social media that trade. Which is totally fine. But with BN its so much easier/
They always turn really mean after my Dad gives them things. They're scared to go after him directly, so they harass me and my Mom pretty aggressively.
When you donate to Goodwill, people are still having to oay something for it so this is great.
And so much at Goodwill is overpriced. or in bad condition And the clothes smell bad. I think they spray something on them
Goodwill is also a big corporation. Don’t let the name fool you.
When you donate to Goodwill, Goodwill now sells your items for profit online
Goodwill is a scam. So is most those donation driven organizations.
@@jamiewilliams3179Goodwill is and always has been legally a non profit organization. They publish annual reports and you can go look at what they spend the money on.
I'm so surprised mainstream media aired this promotion of an anti-capitalist, community centered way of living. Yes, to all of it!!! Thank you for this important information. ❤️🙏
There's nothing wrong with capitalism. What you see today is crony-capitalism. There are many knock-offs today and the youth are getting mixed messages.
Sadly, 2 of our local buy nothing groups were completely taken over by resellers! You may want to give to someone who needs, but iti s often someone who wants to resell it! Vultures.
That shouldn't really come as a surprise, given the trend to "flip" things like houses or cars that people buy for low prices and then turn around and resell them at higher prices. Everyone is out to make a profit these days.
Same thing at Goodwill. It's obnoxious.
I've heard that about people who run a local food pantry
Yup. If the mods don’t keep out resellers the stuff doesn’t get to people who need it.
Our mods are super strict and vet everyone thoroughly! It takes a lot of work and we sure do appreciate our mods!
It’s also cool that niche items can get to a person who truly values the item, like that sowing machine was special to her and will be cared about, where it would be trash to a guy finding it in his aunts attic after she passed away.
When me and my husband moved into our home! We found a fridge but we didn't need it and random bike tires and buckets and I posted it left it at my front porch to whoever wanted to take them home. It makes me feel God that Items are being used in meaningful way.
I need neighbors like that
Be the neighbour like that.
@@yourssincerelyposh8903that was deep. Lol
Oh, and it's my number one tip for those who are decluttering their homes. Donating is not the best solution. Sure, it is better than just trashing useful items. But we know that most of what is donated is not rehomed. And we really need to work on our environmental footprint because we only have one planet, and when we throw something "away" it doesn't go away, it just goes to another place on our planet. The best thing you can do, is try giving your items directly to someone who can and will use it. And buy nothing is a perfect place to do that.
So true! I’m much happier to give something away if I know it is going to someone who will get good use out of it. Otherwise, I just hold onto items in my home “just in case”.
I'm in favor of this movement. It'll save lots of people money and reduce waste.
I joined a buy nothing group a week ago and needed some beads for friendship bracelets I’m planning to pass out at a concert. A few ladies were really nice to give me theirs.
Considering this economy who can afford to be buying anything beyond basic needs to survive? For a lot of people, it's not a choice to buy nothing...they can't afford to buy anything.
exactly. we are being gaslit that this is a choice. if you can reuse great, but that isn't always an option.
Yes to an extent. If you are making 35-40k+ you absolutely have the means and it comes down to how you spend. A lot of people have to make due with a much lower salary of 15k or even 20k in my state. Not because of the economy, but just because my state has always been high in the poverty rate and cost of living is a bit lower than most the country.
Have you ever heard of price gouging, corporate greed? "This economy" is mostly unregulated companies charging whatever they want for everything you need, paying richly to CEOs and stockholders, but the less possible to the workers.
You might want to take a look at the channels More Perfect Union, or Richard Reich, but also to videos of American migrants who are discovering that in other countries they have rights that in the USA are called benefits, privileges, or commodities.
And I'm not talking about rich European countries, but Latin America.
@@MariaMartinez-researcher please take an economic class and a government class. price gouging is illegal and free markets set the value. Communism is a failed system.
Exactly
We also need to get back to a repair instead of replace mentality. Start making replacement parts for major appliances and electronics in the US.
I'm in a very active neighborhood BN group in Texas. You can actually put things out that are damaged and broken--- as long as you say it in the post. Like maybe something needs a simple repair. I just picked up a toy chest. It needs a big scratch repaired. I'm good with that. And today another neighbor gave me some wood filler. A few days ago, I gave away a bunch of jewelry and the gal who picked it up is going to use it for parts for her jewelry making hobby. I would say proper etiquette is to disclose the condition, and even show a pic of the concerning area.
For sure! Our group is good about showing damage or saying, "It's broken and needs this but maybe you have the knowledge to make it work" kind of thing.
This is probably the biggest reason that I still have a Facebook account! My Buy Nothing group also has a swapmeet in a neighborhood park in the summer. Bring to give away, and take away what you can use. And you can chat with neighbors and meet new people.
Yep! I'm mostly off of social media... but BN and the fact that part of my job is running a FB group keeps me on FB.
I love this. It’s what we do at clothing swaps. 🙌🏾 People bring nice clothes, shoes, and accessories that we no longer wear or maybe never did and offer it to other swappers. It’s a win win!
Almost everything my sister got for her baby. She did not pay for she actually joined one of these groups and it’s so amazing so many mothers and no longer need some of the products they originally purchased. Maybe the only needed it for a few months and the product still works great there’s no need to throw it away so many mothers benefit from using it. So thankful for all the others that are willing to put in the effort to give these items away to mothers that will truly appreciate and need these products. This is what they mean with it takes a community to raise a child. This is a virtual community and they may not see this child, but their contribution has greatly benefited them.
Thanks for highlighting Buy Nothing Groups and how awesome they are! I’m a moderator for my local group and it has been fabulous in so many ways... not just saving money but meeting neighbors who can turn into friends and helping find items for your kids. I use unexpired foods posted to the group, which I'm chosen for, to fund a Free Little Food Pantry that I adopted. It keeps so many things out of the landfill and allows neighbors to enjoy items without having to pay for them. You can also offer and or ask for favors. Multiple wins all around, imo.
What children did you exchange yours for younger or older 😂
Less trash in world for future generations too❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I been garbage picking as a hobby the last few months and I’ve found over 2k of things I needed around my house. Fridge, power washer, 2 iPads, full carpet sets, kitchen and bathroom sinks, all in one hp pc, and much more it’s crazy what people throw away these days and don’t bother donating
I’ve been doing this sort of thing for twenty years. I’ve learned to fix a lot of things that people throw away.
Wow 😮
This is awesome. I’ve never heard of this. My family donates to a veterans organization but they don’t pick up furniture (no organization in my area does) even though it’s in great condition. I’m about to join a group and post everything. This is the best thing I’ve learned this year. ❤❤❤
Same. I always give to the veterans group by me…but I think it would be great to help my neighbors! I have tons to give away because I am simplifying and down sizing my life.
Yes so much clothes and toys that I have that I’m willing to give to other parents
I love this....but the way my trust issues are set-up......
Our local precinct has a designated area outside for pick ups. Others do porch pick ups where the item is left outside for pick up. Sometimes it's done just between friends and neighbors
A lot of people in our community set up a public meet place like a Wal-Mart.
Im in a middle class very safe family type neighborhood so its very safe. I totally understand that not every place would be like that. There are creative ways to make it work.
I love this! And this story empowers me to want to do more 😃
Our community has had several "No Sale" Days where there are tables filled with things, anything at all, that people don't need anymore that anyone can take. The only rules are: Only take what you need, don't resell once you don't need it anymore and bring something you don't need to the event if you can 🙂Keep paying it forward.
Here in Japan, such groups tend to be called "Mottainai [name of city]", which means something like wasteful, regretful, or "it would be a shame" (a flexible word). I've given and received many things through the Mottainai Osaka group. Since most people travel by train, we often hand off portable goods at a train station convenient to the giver (even just handing it over the rail at the ticket gate so the receiver doesn't need to exit and re-enter). If it's something larger, of course the receiver has to arrange a car/truck and come to the home. In this very urban area, most people live in apartment buildings that have locking entrances, so meeting out front is not a security risk.
I was able to furnish my whole house with like-new items from the buy nothing group lol love it
I want to join.
I am going to look into this. This looks cool.
That Kenmore sewing machine is a reliable workhorse!!
Years ago we had neighborhoods like this, dare I say “the good old days” when everyone helped each other out. This is a wonderful thing helps in so many ways. Bravo❣️🙏
I loved my buy nothing group in CA
Gavin Newsome has COMPLETELY DESTROYED CALIFORNIA
This is a PERFECT WEAPON to send a message to greedy corporations who keep increasing prices to the consumer under the guise of inflation. I was just laid off from a major beverage company who filed bankruptcy. The corporate C.E.O. walked away with a 10.8 million dollar pension!!! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!!😡😡
Buy nothing and you’ll force unemployment and prices will come down. The people/consumer can bring house prices down.
Love my Buy Nothing community! Great way to purge items you no longer need and help someone out at the same time. ❤
Love this. It’s a win, win, win. Spend $0, reduce landfill waste, give an item a second loving home, reduce someone else’s clutter, and last but not least - increase trust and community!! ❤️
I love this idea! Hopefully folks who get items for free aren’t flipping them for money though 😕
Also, I was able to acquire SO many things for the GrDaughter who is 2 now. They outgrow all that baby stuff SO FAST. The neighborhood has lots of families. I got car seats, strollers, toys, loads of books and loads of clothes. And more. After the Daughter in law (baby momma) was done, then she passed on to her friends. I am so grateful to the lady who started this all.
I really enjoyed my Buy Nothing group, I gave and received so much great stuff! My issues are: I don’t want to have to be on Facebook. And so much of it, in my neighborhood, is baby/kid stuff. Almost every post. So I barely go on anymore.
SURE when they do it it’s a cool trend when I do it it’s called dumpster diving in apartment building trash rooms
My mom has been a part of this group for a few years now, and it's such an amazing group full of generous people. It's like the saying, "one man's trash is another man's treasure."
We've been able to help so many people with food, furniture, dishware, and other items that we simply didn't need anymore and would have donated to a thrift store. And when we were in dire need of something, there was always someone there who had what we needed!
It's especially great to make friends this way. It just feels very safe and cozy all around. The groups are also relatively safe in that if a strange person joins or offers something weird, everyone in the community is immediately alerted and knows to avoid them.
I have gotten so many things off the buy nothing groups just picked up a Christmas tree someone didn’t want anymore and am donating it to a daycare that wants one for Christmas time!!! I’m sure the kids will love decorating it
Those groups are great. Your individual chance of getting something posted that you want isn’t super high, but your chance of getting rid of something you no longer use and that someone else near you wants is extremely good.
I have furnished a new immigrant family’s entire apartment from Buy Nothing group … a few if my neighbors even bought new items & donated to the family as well.
if they're illegal you should have provided them a free plane ticket home
@@Big-Government-Is-The-Problem As long as you don't call yourself a Christian;)
@@Big-Government-Is-The-ProblemI think it’s important to still treat others like human beings since they’re already in our community
That's great.
@BabyGirlDontEvenPlay They are illegal.
Once the dollar collapses and without manufacturing, this might be the only way we can get things in the future
Another way to score free stuff is to wait outside your local goodwill and kindly intercept and ask for the items before they give it to goodwill… it’s a win for everyone and it gives a middle finger to that greedy corporation. especially if you need furniture
I love that Buy Nothing groups are getting the publicity that they deserve.
I've been a part of a buy nothing group for a year now and I LOVE it. Whether its the items I give or receive, all-around we're giving a second life to items that might otherwise end up trashed. Its also been a great way to meet the neighbors!
Isn't this the same thing as Freecycle, which has been around for decades?
Yes! Same idea with a different name. Yet here it is on the Today show, like it is this brilliant, original idea that no one ever thought of before.
A little different because you have to join the group for where you live. It's super localized, maybe a square 2-5 miles or so, depending. And you deal with a lot of the same folks. But same concept in that it's free stuff. But because it's your neighbors, you're less likely to list something that's just falling to pieces (like I used to see on Freecylce).
Yea, y’all are definitely late to the party. I furnished my kids playroom through my buy nothing group - toy shelf, train table, kitchen set. I give away all clothes and toys that we no longer need, it’s a good system.
This summer after taking out our summer clothes and puttin away our winter clothes I realize we have so much clothes and its so tiring and takes up so much space that were not buyin any clothing at all this summer. Were gonna use everything we have and also donated many things we no longer like or doesnt fit
Do these people know the tremendous damage they're doing to their local economy, particularly when store after store is closing due to the financial crisis commerce is experiencing in the US? Truly appalling, especially coming from New York City, the commercial capital of the US and the World. I bet the many stores going out of business in NYC they'll have a strong message for them. Unbelievable
I *LOVE* my Buy Nothing group and HIGHLY recommend everyone to join their local BN group! You get to give away items to people who actually need/want them AND not donate it to corporations that claim to give back more than they do (ex. Value Village & Goodwill).
I usually just put stuff on the curb on a sunny mild day that isn’t garbage days. Usually it gets picked up within 48 hours. Got rid of most of my baby stuff and no inconvenience to me. Just hope to keep the thrifters and resellers out of these groups.
What buy nothing app is best? I am not on social media.
Great! Too bad you can’t Rent nothing group, but starting somewhere and setting trends can, hopefully, help prices come down. There will still be lots of waste. American consumerism is so ridiculous.
Been using my local buy nothing groups for over a decade! There are official and unofficial ones. Most of them are great, but once in a while you get a group that's a bunch of friends just giving things to each other but most of them are great!
Been in mine for 7 years. I moved to a new state/city and was buying something off of Craig's List... the guy I was buying from told me about BN and I was hooked!
It’s called, “Thrifting!!” I’ve been doing this for over 40 years❤😂☑️
I love my group. I get stuff and get rid of stuff.
Let's just go full circle and return to a barter economy and become untaxable if they're just gonna spend our money on foreign proxy wars and aid to the victims of our foreign proxy wars.
Been a part of BN for years. There are so many groups in my county. I think mine spans a 2 mile radius. There’s a listing right now for a piano! People also gift brand new stuff if they missed the return window.
Don't donate to Goodwill. So much stuff gets taken to the dump every day from excess donations and they keep raising prices to compete with Walmart and other retailers with new merchandise. No one wants to buy a used *whatever* for close to the same or more when they can buy it new. Post it for free in one of these groups or advertise it on Facebook for free and put it on the curb. You'll be surprised how fast people will come get it. That way you know your used stuff gets a new home where it can be appreciated instead of ending up in a dump or overpriced in a Goodwill.
It started as “No Buy July”.
WoW🎉
Whatever. Yeah your life dictates when you need or don't.. this is a great spi n on bidens America.. it's great this buy nothing is great but it's become necessary in a bad economy. ..ppl should do this in good economies to help out the less fortunate .. .. this is the necessary steps to tale in this bs climate of the world today
In this economy you're kinda being forced to do things like that. I love the community aspect of this. I will definitely considered doing this if I ever move.
We have a neighborhood Facebook page and have been doing this for years! Safe and convenient..
Now we got people making 200K a year living in big houses in the “buy nothing “ movement us poor people been living like this not by choice but by necessity
I'm part of the same group. Around my way, we call it trash nothing/freecycle.
My house is full of rummage sale items.
I am in a buy nothing group. I just hate it when people don’t show up when they said they would. Or let you know if they will be late.
Yeah stuff sits on the porch for days. Or they ask for something but never answer an email about pick up
If this hasn't been ruined by greed and sales people I promise it will be. Hopefully these groups take on implementing strong requirements on locality or reputation to keep out those looking to exploit them for free inventory.
My slogan for years has been use what you have rather than what you have to get. I am super creative at up cycling, so it works for me.
The whole concept sounds wonderful, except there are so many people out there that will take advantage of this group and the people that so lovingly give to it and turn around and take these things and sell them on social media. It’s hard to trust anyone to do the right thing anymore.🤷🏼♀️
The groups are hyper local and we all get to know each other. That really doesn't seem to be a problem in the BN groups. We would probably notice if Mrs. X had been gifted 17 dining room tables in the last year.
This group started in the Seattle area over 10 years ago. It’s a great concept.
Inflation is at 10% annually. Anyone telling you different is in denial at the gas and grocery stores.
Do I have to be on FB to participate ?
My thoughts exactly....😢
I just hope that this doesn't get ruined by pickers or flippers like thrift stores did.
Free cycle to be the site that was the same about 15+ yrs ago. I actually forgot about it! Great idea though!
This is one of the most important things we can do as individuals
Al Roker. Always great comebacks😂😂😂
She stole all that stuff
That's awesome! Also I refuse to participate in Facebook
The founder made an app for those who aren't on social media
@@ylive5169 nice!
Reduce, reuse, recycle. No shame in that.
Thumbs up
Soooooo, charitable giving but not to the needy?
I think the concept is great with the exception of making one’s address public considering the dangers we’re all facing today. 🥴
You don't make your address public. You can either share it privately with the person that is picking something up, meet at a public place, drop it off at their location... There are many options that don't require disclosing where you live.
Ultra processed foods, buy nothing groups, eat clean, etc…….. how come this is just now hitting the mainstream? I’ve known this for 15 or more years! 😂
"Let it simmer" 😉
That’s how bed bugs are spreading
What about a segment on all the husbands picking up all this free stuff for their wives?
I'm single, so I haven't heard of anything.
I'm single
Accurate
What a privilege to pick something up for their beautiful wives who sought and found something for their home that they didn’t have to spend their $ on. 🏡
Hubby is so sweet, never complains about all his BN errands! 😂
It's called trade. It's what we used to do before convenient store or department stores were created.
No trading allowed on BN, though... just giving.
The well paid nationally syndicated anchors that are “just now learning about this” meanwhile everyone behind the scenes making far less… “oh yeah, we do this all the time” 😮
Sidenote: 85% of my kids birthday/Christmas gifts are from buy nothings
I have been preaching this for years! STOP CONSUMING AND BUYING TOO MUCH CRAP!!! We need to deal the billionaire corps a hard hit to their bottom line, NOW