I stumbled upon my local Buy Nothing group when I moved to Oregon, and I’ll be honest—I wasn’t sure what to expect. I thought it might just be people unloading junk they didn’t want, or maybe it would feel too awkward to ask for something I needed. But I was wrong. So wrong.
Joining my local Buy Nothing group turned out to be an impactful and surprisingly heartwarming decision. I’ve decluttered my home, found things I didn’t know I needed (hello, brand-new snow cone maker still in the box!), and—best of all—I’ve felt a real sense of connection with my community.
If you’re curious about what Buy Nothing groups are and how they work, let me break it down for you—and share a little of why I think they’re so special.
What is a Buy Nothing Group?
At its core, a Buy Nothing group is exactly what it sounds like: a group where you give, ask, and share without spending a single dollar. No buying, no selling—just generosity and connection.
It all started as part of the Buy Nothing Project, a grassroots movement encouraging people to share resources within their local communities. Most of these groups live on Facebook, and they’re hyper-local, meaning you’re connecting with neighbors who live just around the corner.
But it’s not just about scoring “free stuff.” It’s about rethinking the way we consume, reducing waste, and rediscovering the joy of sharing with others. Whether you’re giving away something you no longer need or finding the perfect item to borrow, Buy Nothing groups create a culture of trust and generosity that’s hard to find elsewhere.
How is a Buy Nothing Group Different from Nextdoor or Facebook Marketplace?
You might be wondering—why not just use Nextdoor or Facebook Marketplace? Aren’t those places where people share and find things, too? Yes, but Buy Nothing groups are entirely different:
No Money Involved In a Buy Nothing group, everything is completely free. There’s no selling, buying, or haggling. On Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor, the focus is often on making money, which can make interactions feel transactional.
A Focus on Giving, Not Trading Unlike sites where you might “trade” or barter for goods, Buy Nothing groups encourage giving freely without expecting anything in return. It’s about generosity, not scorekeeping.
Hyper-Local Connections Buy Nothing groups are usually specific to a neighborhood or community, making them much smaller and more personal. You’re connecting with people who live close enough that you might bump into them at the local coffee shop.
Community Over Commerce While Facebook Marketplace and Nextdoor are primarily platforms to post items and get quick transactions, Buy Nothing groups build relationships. They’re about sharing resources, skills, and time, not just physical items.
No Pressure or Competition In a Buy Nothing group, there’s a kindness and intentionality that sets it apart. You’re encouraged to give and ask without judgment, and there’s no competition. It’s not “first come, first served”—most groups encourage thoughtful gifting based on need or connection.
Why I Love My Buy Nothing Group
The first time I posted something to give, it was a set of mismatched coffee mugs. They were perfectly fine—just no longer my style. Within hours, a woman messaged me, thrilled to take them off my hands for her college-bound daughter. A week later, she shared a photo of the mugs in her daughter’s dorm room. It was such a sweet moment and made me realize how impactful this simple act of giving could be.
Since then, I’ve seen so many wonderful exchanges:
A neighbor gifting her robust house plant because she was moving.
A family receiving snow gear for their first trip to the mountains.
A budding musician borrowing a keyboard to practice on.
Here's a recent post from my local group that has received a lot of interest
On the flip side, I’ve asked for things too. One summer, I needed a folding table for a garage sale. Within minutes, three neighbors offered to lend me theirs. It’s moments like these that make you feel less like a stranger in your neighborhood and more like a part of a supportive community.
How to Join and Use a Buy Nothing Group
Getting started is easy, and the rewards are worth it. Here’s how you can join and make the most of your local Buy Nothing group:
1. Find Your Local Group Search “Buy Nothing [your town or neighborhood]” on Facebook, or visit buynothingproject.org to locate a group near you. Most groups are hyper-local, so you’ll likely be connecting with neighbors just a few streets away.
2. Introduce Yourself When you join, take a moment to introduce yourself. A quick hello and a little about why you’re excited to be part of the group can go a long way in fostering connections.
3. Start Giving Have something you no longer need? Post it! Whether it’s a set of dishes, kids’ clothes, or extra craft supplies, there’s probably someone who will be thrilled to have it. Be honest about the condition and include a photo to help people decide if it’s right for them.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Need something specific? Ask for it! People love helping out. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, a piece of furniture, or advice on a home project, your neighbors are often more than happy to share.
5. Follow the Rules Each Buy Nothing group has its own set of guidelines designed to keep the space respectful, fair, and enjoyable for everyone. Be sure to read the group’s rules before posting or commenting. These rules often cover what type of items can be psted, how "gifting" works, and etiquette for giving and reciving.
6. Express Gratitude When you receive something, take a moment to thank the giver. Many groups encourage you to share a photo of the item in use, which adds a personal touch and brings joy to the person who gave it.
Why It’s About More Than Stuff
One of the unexpected benefits of joining a Buy Nothing group has been the sense of connection it’s brought to my life. It’s not just about decluttering or finding a freebie—it’s about building trust, kindness, and community. It’s a reminder that we’re all in this together.
Beyond the physical items, Buy Nothing groups often encourage sharing non-material gifts. I’ve seen people offer to pet-sit, share gardening tips, or lend tools for a one-time project. It’s these small acts of generosity that make you realize how much we all have to give, even when it doesn’t involve money.
Closing Note
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by clutter, looking for ways to save money, or just wanting to connect with your neighbors, a Buy Nothing group might be exactly what you need. It’s a simple yet powerful way to rethink how we consume and create a sense of community.
The next time you’re holding onto something you don’t need anymore, think of it this way: there’s probably someone right down the street who does. And in giving it away, you’ll find that you’re not just making space in your home—you’re making room for connection.
Have you joined a Buy Nothing group? I’d love to hear your favorite “give” or “ask” story! Share it in the comments below.