A Buy Nothing Group Is The Perfect Way To Furnish Your Home On A Budget

Next time you want to find a new piece of art, a rug, or even a coffee table for your home, you might want to check your local Buy Nothing Group. Characterized as a local "gift economy," Buy Nothing (BN) Groups are neighborhood groups formed to let neighbors gift items to each other. Some groups are specific to a neighborhood, while others might be specific to an area within a certain cross-street; it varies by location. All have the same mission: "To give freely to others and share gifts of stuff," according to the official Buy Nothing website. If you're strapped for cash and want to create a curated home, furnishing it with Buy Nothing is an excellent way to go. 

Founded by Rebecca Rockefeller and Liesel Clark on Bainbridge Island, WA, in 2013, Buy Nothing has become a movement, complete with a mobile app, book, and over 7,000 groups around the world. In addition to helping your neighbors with unwanted items, participating in a BN Group can help save items from the landfill. This is important, since, according to the EPA, the United States generates 4.9 pounds of waste per person each day. Moreover, in 2018, the EPA found that 80.1% of furniture and furnishings went to the landfill. Whether you're in search of a good deal, on a tight budget, or want to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, there's a way to make BN Groups work for you and your home. If you're new to the Buy Nothing world, here's a primer.

Home decor, art, and furniture are common in BN groups.  The average week might feature a lamp, a chair, or a side table, along with smaller items like picture frames or planters. The more group members, the more variety in goods you'll likely experience. Sometimes items might need a bit of love, such as repainting, but these issues are typically disclosed when gifting. If you're in the mood for a crafting project, chances are you can find materials for your next DIY idea, like transforming discarded couch cushions into a headboard. It's possible you could find an item for every room in your house if you keep an eye on the posts. For instance, House Digest writer Erika Dale says, "I was gifted a beautiful piano from my Buy Nothing Group. They even delivered it. Such an amazing gift!"

Don't forget a core part of the Buy Nothing culture is to give as well, which is perfect for getting rid of excess items after decluttering your home. It can be helpful, especially if you've ever fallen into the trap of gathering items to donate, only to let them sit by your front door or rattle around in your car trunk. With a BN Group, people who want your items will come to you, sometimes even just walking up the street. You might even make a new friend as you connect with neighbors. To have the best experience, you should abide by a few simple rules.

Once you locate a group via Facebook or the Buy Nothing website, you should first learn the rules. The main rule is no money ever exchanges hands; it's purely gifting. Other guidelines include all items must be legal (i.e., no live animals) and that you must participate as yourself. You must also give freely what you can and pick up when you say you will. Groups are self-policing, so your local group may have additional rules, such as not consistently taking without giving anything in return. Some people offer porch pickup, while others may need to meet. Addresses and information are shared via the Facebook or BN website between members. Some users offer items "first come, first serve," while others may hold a drawing to select among interested commenters. 

Your group might permit "ISO" or "In Search Of" posts, where you can list items you're searching for to see if anyone can satisfy the request. If that's the case, you can ask for specific items, and get exactly what you need for your home. However, it's best to post for a few items, and not a laundry list of 15+ things you seek. Some groups do a mass ISO where everyone comments with what they need, while other groups allow individual ISOs. Again, it varies by group. So, if you're ready to furnish your home on a budget, locate your local Buy Nothing Group and let the hunt begin.