What is useless to some might be worth a lot to others.
There are items that can be reused. Others can be recycled or repurposed. The main goal for the Buy Nothing Project is to share items through an online 'gift economy' in helping build community.
“It’s an amazing principle,” says Laura Chevrefils, administrator for the Buy Nothing Cambridge East group which she started on Facebook, two weeks ago.
“We’re just getting under way, but people are really thankful to take part. It’s what you make it, and there is definitely a desire for people to get started."
Members can post items they want to give away, or are in need of, for free.
The international Buy Nothing Project began in 2013. It operates in over 44 countries and has over 44 million users offering people a way ‘to give and receive, share, lend, and express gratitude through an online network’.
The organization says that it’s true wealth is the web of connections formed between people where communities are more resilient, sustainable, equitable, and joyful when they have functional ‘gift’ economies.
“You might not want to purchase something new. You might want to find something you don’t have, or you might have an item that is just not getting the love that it deserves,” Chevrefils said.
“With today’s rising costs, you have an opportunity to trade and to share things, in your own community.”
Frank McDonough is the administrator for the Buy Nothing Project group in Hespeler.
“This group has got us through some really difficult times especially during lockdowns,” McDonough said.
“The Hespeler group started in January, 2021 and today we have over 1,700 active members. There are about 100-200 posts and over 1,000 comments per day. When it started, we didn’t realize how big this would become. People have really come to appreciate it.”
Whether it’s books, toys, or clothing, Chevrefils says there’s something for everyone.
“I have found homes for all sorts of items,” Chevrefils said.
Requests come in both big and small, anything from a case of pop, hardware, a trampoline, or even moving and repair services.
“This is not a ‘first come, first served’ group. Members are asked to give and ask creatively. This is a huge, yet subtle, way that helps build community. Members show their personalities and their humanity,” Chevrefils said.
During COVID-19, Chevrefils says she stumbled upon another Buy Nothing Project group before starting a group in Cambridge.
“What an amazing experience it was to connect with others during that time. This group really is about building community,” Chevrefils said.
In making the move to Cambridge, Chevrefils sees a new opportunity to connect with others.
“It’s amazing, the people you meet through these online relationships. It’s about kindness and helping others, and selfishly, I get to know my community in offering this to others,” Chevrefils said.
For the group in Hespeler, McDonough says it’s been a gift to see how the group has progressed and grown since last year.
“We live in such abundance and people are so quick to give things away. This is all about a ‘gift economy,’ the oldest economy on earth. It’s a natural economy just based on gifting,” McDonough said.
“This is a global movement, but it’s hyper local. You really get to know your neighbours.”
And the environmental impact of a ‘buy nothing’ economy is huge.
“There are people who just want to throw things away and there are others, who want to donate items. But many of these donation centres can become overrun too,” Chevrefils said.
“I have found homes for all sorts of items,” Chevrefils said.
Chevrefils says the Buy Nothing Project has also helped with disruptions in the supply chain during COVID-19.
“COVID-19 has been so isolating with people afraid to go out. For some, this may still be an issue. It’s so great just to be able to pick up something on someone’s doorstep,” Chevrefils said.
McDonough says the group has brought so much positivity during the pandemic.
“It really has brought out the best in people. There was a fire locally, and the group stepped right up to help the family,” McDonough said.
“You meet neighbours, you build trust. It’s about building those connections.”
The Buy Nothing Project is not a charity and sees no difference between want and need, waste and treasure. It does not buy, sell, trade, barter, or exchange money for items or services.
“I’m hoping this group will grow and we welcome all new members within our borders. And we encourage anyone outside the area, to start their own group,” Chevrefils said.
“This is a place where people can meet and get to know each other through acts of kindness and giving.”
McDonough says this is the place where you can give your ‘stuff’ a new life.
“I’m so thankful to the people in this group. It astounds me. Every day I get to see random acts of kindness.”
For more information, visit the Facebook pages for Buy Nothing Hespeler ON., or Buy Nothing Cambridge, ON East (Fiddlesticks, Greenway Chaplin, Lovell).
