Buy Nothing groups are local Facebook groups where neighbors can give away unwanted items for free, request needed items, and connect with others in their community. If you want to join your local Buy Nothing Facebook group, here are some tips to help you find and request to join the group for your neighborhood.
What is Buy Nothing?
Buy Nothing groups started as a way for neighbors to gift items they no longer needed to others in their community. The groups operate under a gifts economy, where items are given freely with no bartering or trading. Buy Nothing groups aim to reduce waste, build community connections, and help others.
Buy Nothing groups are hosted on Facebook and organized by geographic location, with most groups representing specific neighborhoods, towns, or parts of cities. Members must live in the specified local area to join. Once you are a member, you can browse posts offering free items or make posts requesting items you need.
Benefits of Joining Buy Nothing
Joining your local Buy Nothing Facebook group has many benefits, including:
- Giving and receiving free items to reduce waste
- Finding new homes for unwanted belongings
- Getting needed household items for free
- Meeting and connecting with neighbors
- Building community in your area
- Participating in an eco-friendly initiative
- Decluttering your home without throwing items away
How to Find Your Local Buy Nothing Group
Here are some tips for locating your neighborhood’s Buy Nothing group on Facebook:
- Search on Facebook for “Buy Nothing” plus your city or neighborhood name. For example, “Buy Nothing Seattle” or “Buy Nothing Capitol Hill.” Look for groups specific to the part of town where you live.
- Check the About section of any Buy Nothing groups you find to ensure it covers your area before requesting to join.
- Look for any umbrella “Buy Nothing” groups for your wider metro area. Often these groups will list the hyperlocal neighborhood groups in their description.
- Post on any local community Facebook groups asking if anyone can connect you with the Buy Nothing group for your immediate neighborhood.
- Search Facebook for any Buy Nothing administrators in your city and message them requesting to join your area’s group.
- Look on the Buy Nothing Project’s website for a map of local groups and request to join yours.
How to Request to Join a Buy Nothing Facebook Group
Once you locate your neighborhood’s Buy Nothing group, you’ll need to request to join it. Here is the process:
- Click the “Join Group” button on the group’s main page. This will take you to the questions you need to answer to request to join.
- Answer the required questions, which usually cover information like your name, your exact address, and your housing type (renter, owner, etc).
- Read and agree to the group rules.
- Submit your request. The admin will review and approve you once they verify you live in the covered neighborhood.
- If prompted, answer any follow up questions from the admin to get approved.
Be patient as the admin reviews your request to join. Some groups can take a few days to approve members. Once you are accepted, start browsing and introducing yourself!
What to Post in a Buy Nothing Group
Once you’ve joined your local Buy Nothing Facebook group, there are two main types of posts you can make:
Gift Posts
Create a new gift post to offer an item to your neighbors for free. Your post should include:
- A photo of the item
- A brief description including condition, age, dimensions, etc
- Whether delivery is possible or if pickup is required
Make sure to read the rules first, as some groups have specific requirements around gift posts. Monitor your post and arrange pickup or delivery once someone claims your gift.
Ask Posts
Make an ask post if you are looking for something specific. Your post should include:
- A description of the item you are seeking
- Whether you need the item or just want it
- Whether you are willing to pick up or need delivery
Avoid asking for high value items like electronics or appliances, as most groups recommend purchasing those items instead. Focus ask posts on basic household goods and items that neighbors may have extras of to gift.
Buy Nothing Etiquette & Rules
When participating in your local Buy Nothing group, be sure to follow these general etiquette guidelines:
- Thank the giver when you receive an item.
- Only request to join groups in neighborhoods where you actually live.
- Read the rules before posting in the group.
- Respond promptly if someone claims an item you are offering.
- Arrange pickup within a few days of claiming an item.
- Communicate clearly and politely in all group interactions.
- Don’t ask for high value items that would be better purchased.
- Consider offering gifts forward after using them if you no longer need an item.
Following these tips will ensure you are a considerate member and get the most out of your local Buy Nothing group!
Pro Tips for Buy Nothing
Here are some additional tips to maximize your Buy Nothing experience:
- Post a self-intro when you join to greet your neighbors.
- Personalize ask posts with details about your needs or situation.
- Follow up politely if no one claims your gift post in a few days.
- Offer to pay it forward by delivering someone else’s gift nearby.
- Browse the group often to find gifts before others claim them.
- Thank givers publicly in comments and privately via message.
- Post photos of gifted items being used and enjoyed in your home.
What Not to Give Away on Buy Nothing
While most items are fair game to gift, some types of offerings should be avoided. Do not offer:
- Dangerous or hazardous materials
- Expired food or open personal care items
- Items in filthy condition
- Live animals
- Illegal or unethical items
- Super valuable collectibles or jewelry
- Counterfeit goods
When in doubt, check your group rules for any restrictions. Stick to everyday household items that are clean and safe to pass along.
Getting Involved in Your Buy Nothing Community
Beyond just exchanging goods, many members find Buy Nothing groups a great way to connect locally. Here are some ways to get involved:
- Attend any in-person events like meetups, porch drops, or parties.
- Offer to be a gift helper who delivers items for those unable to do so.
- Help moderate the group by reporting any inappropriate posts.
- Volunteer to become an admin if you have time to manage the group.
- Plan a community care package initiative.
- Start a neighborhood improvement project.
- Organize a clothing swap or local talents exchange.
Alternatives to Buy Nothing Groups
If Buy Nothing isn’t your style, consider these other options for free exchanges:
Local Facebook Groups
- Hyperlocal neighborhood, mom’s, or garage sale groups
- Town listservs or message boards
- “Everything is free” type groups
Other Local Online Platforms
- Nextdoor
- Craigslist free section
- Freecycle
- Local online yard sale sites
In-Person Exchange
- Curb alerts
- Community donation bins
- Door-to-door with printed flyers
- Little free libraries
- Community notice boards
The options are endless for rehoming and finding free stuff locally besides Buy Nothing groups!
Conclusion
Buy Nothing groups offer a wonderful opportunity to declutter, find needed items, and connect with your community. Finding your neighborhood group on Facebook takes a few simple searches and requesting to join is straightforward. Once approved as a member, start gifting unused belongings, requesting items, and getting to know your neighbors for a more sustainable and collaborative way of living.