Summary: <br> <br> How to Buy Nothing By Joining a Gift Economy<br> <br> Have you ever heard the popular saying, “Nothing in life is free”? Thanks to Buy Nothing groups, this platitude isn’t *exactly* true.<br> 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.<br> 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.<br> My guest this week is <a href="https://www.mindfulmaterialist.world/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jennifer Lansdowne Rockenbaugh</a>. Jennifer divulges the ins and outs of joining a gift economy; she outlines her extensive volunteer experience with <a href="https://buynothingproject.org/find-a-group/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Buy Nothing Project</a>, too.<br> Here’s a preview of today’s episode:<br> [12:00] Is intrinsic privilege associated with gift economies?<br> [15:45] 2 ways to embrace gifting in a capitalist society<br> [20:25] The fundamental differences between your local Buy Nothing group and a Buy/Sell/Trade group<br> <br> Happy listening!<br> <br> <br> <br> Want more episodes like this one? Check out <a href="https://mamaminimalist.com/104/">#104: Eco-Friendly Communities and Why We Need Each Other</a>.<br> Want to support the show and help it grow? Here’s how (and thank you!):<br> <br> * <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sustainable-minimalists-podcast/id1329830361" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Leave a review on Apple Podcasts</a>: On the app, hit the Library tab, make sure you’re subscribed, scroll to the bottom past all prior episodes, then click on the stars to leave a review.<br> * <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SustainableMinimalists/?eid=ARA-WjEWZ1Q_43UHGYmMurpDPVsEVs6CdHGcpmdM6gdGQeNzmHGxpOtDBEZHyBOhWDJpNB6p_rKeFePF" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Leave a review on Facebook</a>.<br> * Tell a friend (or two!)<br> * Reach out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SustainableMinimalists/?eid=ARA-WjEWZ1Q_43UHGYmMurpDPVsEVs6CdHGcpmdM6gdGQeNzmHGxpOtDBEZHyBOhWDJpNB6p_rKeFePF" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mommyminimalist/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instagram</a> (I promise to respond!)<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br>
