Buy Nothing

chic

chic

SF VIP
Location
U.S.
Do you have a Buy Nothing group near you or have you ever used one? I like the idea of people giving what they don't need to others that do free of charge and maybe picking up stuff they need for free. This could be a revolutionary idea in our throw away society. It inspires me. What do you think?
 

Chic, check out your local FaceBook or other social accounts. One may be set up already.

I’ve given some things away on that rather than donating to charity stores. It’s really helpful for those who can’t afford anything.
 
We had a well-run Free Store where I used to live. It was open one day a week and was a social hub. My brother and I particularly appreciated the free New Yorkers, Harper's, and astronomy magazines.

There was also an informal, unattended shed (not affiliated with the free store), where people could drop off and pick up clothing and small items. I think someone locked it up at night. This was very handy for me when I moved, as I could drop things off any time.
 
People in my senior community seem to have that mindset ..... "if you don't need it, give it to someone who does"

I was saying to someone one day ..... if you move here with nothing but the shirt on your back, within 6 months to a year, you can have yourself a completely furnished apartment, and a closet full of clothes. .... maybe not exactly what you would want, but the freebies are endless.

When people move out, or move in with family, (or other not so pleasant endings) ... there are many times an open house to freely take
home furnishings, kitchen appliances, dishes, books, etc.
 
When I lived in Ottawa 40 years ago, there was a nice local tradition.

On garbage night (the night before garbage day), people would put usable items such as clothing or flower pots beside the garbage can. People walking by could take what they wanted. Anything still there the next day would go on the garbage truck.

A similar system was used in apartment buildings. If you saw a lamp or something beside the garbage chute, you could take it. They still do this in my sister's condo (not in Ottawa).
 
Yes and frankly I've snoozed them 30 days. I'm seeing a lot of "Just got a new apartment, need (furniture, cooking stuff, food processor microwave)" and many are "You bring it to me"

Then, the hot meal beggars. One woman has begged for hot meals for the past year, 2 times a month. She changes names but if you get her address, it's always the same.

The INO & ISO (in need of/in search of) can be some really off putting. Like one request was an iphone 13, no android, or a $2,000 truck tent attachment. Or KitchenAid mixer. Most aren't like that, but they aren't cheap requests.

Even some are saying "Before I go buy this" like they HAVE the money, but admit to being cheap.

The thing that does honk me off the most. Is the people who say "I have this item for free", they'll get 5 responses and ALL 5 will fall through to get it.

So I'll take a break from them and watch animal videos.
 
Teacher Terry said:
When I have done massive downsizing I just post pictures on Nextdoor and Craigslist and put in front of the house with a free sign. Stuff is usually gone within hours.
Click to expand...

I was scrolling down to post about nextdoor.com - I suspect that's only the US - but you register and it's rather like a community bulletin board. a really handy resource, actually...
 
SmoothSeas said:
I was scrolling down to post about nextdoor.com - I suspect that's only the US - but you register and it's rather like a community bulletin board. a really handy resource, actually...
Click to expand...
Nextdoor app is pretty world wide...

We have a free thing on there but tbh, most of it is because they can't be bothered taking it to the tip...it's not any good ..
 
chic said:
Do you have a Buy Nothing group near you or have you ever used one? I like the idea of people giving what they don't need to others that do free of charge and maybe picking up stuff they need for free. This could be a revolutionary idea in our throw away society. It inspires me. What do you think?
Click to expand...
I've never heard of that.
All I know of is Craigslist, and, as others have mentioned, NextDoor.
 
chic said:
Do you have a Buy Nothing group near you or have you ever used one? I like the idea of people giving what they don't need to others that do free of charge and maybe picking up stuff they need for free. This could be a revolutionary idea in our throw away society. It inspires me. What do you think?
Click to expand...
I LOVE your idea.
I can see it being so beneficial.
 
chic said:
Do you have a Buy Nothing group near you or have you ever used one? I like the idea of people giving what they don't need to others that do free of charge and maybe picking up stuff they need for free. This could be a revolutionary idea in our throw away society. It inspires me. What do you think?
Click to expand...
I don't think we have anything like this that I am aware of. Many do use FB, sometimes posting for free, but most items are sold for cash.
It's a wonderful idea.
 
NorthernLight said:
When I lived in Ottawa 40 years ago, there was a nice local tradition.

On garbage night (the night before garbage day), people would put usable items such as clothing or flower pots beside the garbage can. People walking by could take what they wanted. Anything still there the next day would go on the garbage truck.

A similar system was used in apartment buildings. If you saw a lamp or something beside the garbage chute, you could take it. They still do this in my sister's condo (not in Ottawa).
Click to expand...
We had something similar where I last lived in Florida. There was monthly trash pickup separate from garbage. No can, you just made a pile and once a month it got scooped up, good way to dispose of yard and construction waste. Anything in those piles was considered fair game to whoever wanted it. So if we had something we thought might be of particular interest we would put it on top or in front where it could be easily seen. Once put out a well worn leather chair and covered it in plastic for rain protection, it disappeared very quickly.

I even took advantage of it sometimes, got useable scrap lumber, a number of Spanish bayonets to plant on the beach that way, and some firewood.
 
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