How to Buy Nothing By Embracing the Gift Economy
How to Buy Nothing By Joining a Gift Economy
Have you ever heard the popular saying, “Nothing in life is free”? Thanks to Buy Nothing groups, this platitude isn’t *exactly* true.
Gifting has been around for almost as long as humans, and such economies rely on relationships—not personal gain—to spread love and share resources. And although market economies have pushed gifting aside in recent centuries, gifting is making a comeback in a big way.
The benefits of Buy Nothing groups are many; the drawbacks are few. Such groups foster social bonds, strengthen communities, encourage responsible decluttering, and prevent new items from entering the waste stream.
My guest this week is Jennifer Lansdowne Rockenbaugh. Jennifer divulges the ins and outs of joining a gift economy; she outlines her extensive volunteer experience with The Buy Nothing Project, too.
Here’s a preview of today’s episode:
[12:00] Is intrinsic privilege associated with gift economies?
[15:45] 2 ways to embrace gifting in a capitalist society
[20:25] The fundamental differences between your local Buy Nothing group and a Buy/Sell/Trade group
Happy listening!
Want more episodes like this one? Check out #104: Eco-Friendly Communities and Why We Need Each Other.
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