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Why Buy Nothing Matters More Than Ever (and How You Can Help)

I've always believed in the power of community and the abundance that comes from sharing. But lately, I've seen firsthand how crucial these principles have become in our increasingly challenging world.

More and more, I hear stories from neighbors struggling with job losses, rising costs, and the general uncertainty of our times. It's heartbreaking, but it also reinforces why Buy Nothing exists: to create a safety net, woven from the threads of generosity and connection, right in our own neighborhoods.

Think about it. When you Give, Ask, and share Gratitude within your local Buy Nothing community, you're not just exchanging items. You're building relationships, fostering trust, and creating a support system that benefits everyone.

I experienced this firsthand during a recent visit with my mom. We noticed the price of a dozen eggs had skyrocketed to a shocking $12.99! We knew we could do something better for our community. So, we decided to expand her flock of four hens.

But here's the kicker: pullets (those 6-month-old laying dynamos) are scarce, due to egg prices being front-and-center on the political spectrum. Agway and the local co-op have been unable to source pullets for months. The egg rush is real!

Enter your local Buy Nothing community. I suggested Mom post an Ask for laying hens. Within HOURS, she had an offer for FIVE one-year-olds, delivered – by Angela – straight to her coop!

Now, she's been giving the home-laid organic eggs away to her closest neighbors, and they're so greatly appreciated. Her story is a testament to the power of community and resourcefulness. In a world of rising costs, sometimes the best solutions are right next door through the Buy Nothing platform.

This story, like so many I hear from our members, highlights why Buy Nothing has never been more important. We're not just a platform; we're a lifeline.

That's why I'm asking for your support.

We're working tirelessly to improve our platform and reach more people worldwide. This requires resources: server fees, development costs, and the technological stack needed to build new features like private groups within the app. The truth is, right now, we're not even paying salaries to the dedicated individuals who make this happen.

Every little bit helps. Your optional subscription directly fuels our ability to:

  • Enhance the user experience.
  • Expand our reach to more communities.
  • Develop new features that strengthen connections.

It's time for us all to find ways to help, seizing the moment to build resilience in our communities. We can watch out for each other and create a unique experience on the Buy Nothing mobile and web app, independently produced, free of advertising, and we don’t sell your private data to third parties.

Let's work together to create a world where everyone has access to the support they need, right in their own backyard.

Here are easy steps for contributing to The Buy Nothing Project:

• Make a charitable donation via our fiscal sponsor on our Give Lively Page
• Make a direct contribution to help us out
• Become a Sustaining Member of the BuyNothing by subscribing in our web/mobile app
• Offer us a tip on the BuyNothing app the next time you have a successful Give or Ask (watch for the banner at the top of your screen)

Thank you for being part of this movement.

With gratitude,

Liesl and the Buy Nothing Team
(Liesl Clark is Co-Founder & Co-Volunteer of The Buy Nothing Project)