What if you just asked for something, and you got it, no strings attached? What if you wanted an item to go to a better home than the landfill?
It can all happen at your neighborhood Buy Nothing group. These are online forums in which you can post something to give away OR ask for free stuff, FOR FREE. No cash changes hands, nobody will ask you for a trade. So yay, everyone likes free things, but also, your new friends can help you solve a problem–getting rid of perfectly good items that don’t fit your lifestyle groove anymore. I’ve given away a fish tank with a snail in it (and then someone else provided a fish friend for the snail!), a set of dishes, numerous toys, clothing and art supplies. You can also do this on Craigslist, Nextdoor and Facebook’s “free” classifieds sections if you don’t have a Buy Nothing group near you.
The drawback for this, of course, you might not find the exact thing you need at the precise moment you want it. You can always ask though!
Also, there are loads of fun surprises. For example, I did not understand that I needed a poncho, but when I saw someone was giving hers away, I jumped on the opportunity and now I’m just waiting for someone to invite me to a New England tailgate party or cider pressing so that I can fully rock it as it’s intended.
What do you want? What can you give? Come on, try it, it’s fun.