Outstanding, Anne Marie. Why, lots of people could signficantly reduce their expenses while significantly increasing their feelings of community. Another thing people can do is make and share a list of 'sharing' resources within their own communities. One that I did is available HERE: https://www.wehatetowaste.com/share-swap-borrow-zerowaste-nyc/
Very well said Anne Marie — I often resonate with all your practical nudges. May I also add little free seed libraries to your list? Gift economy, indeed.
Great bunch of resources, thank you! I am helping at a "Wardrobe Refresh" event in Kansas City this weekend. There will be a mending circle and a community indigo vat!
Interestingly, I learned about gifting at Burning Man. Yes, I was a Burner, for 12 years, then I graduated. But what I learned was that giving feels awesome, especially when it's something you have that someone else needs.
Every year on the Playa, I would take extras of things for the sole purpose of giving them away. After the first coupla years, the practice bled into the default world. Even now, I still carry an extra ice scraper in my vehicle in the winter in case someone needs it. I consider my survival kit, not just for me but for who might need it.
Thanks for this reminder. Gifting is a great way to do unto others.
So many good resources and ideas. Thank you! Sending this along and hoping to put some into motion. We could all benefit from mutual aid. I hosted a seed swap this week and that’s just the start!
I think we all just need a bit more community. We trade veg with the neighbors on one side, they love our son and we love them and their pets. We also help out/bring food/gift garden produce to the elderly neighbor on our other side. Every winter we shoveled his driveway and front stoop as we don’t want him falling when he goes out for his daily walks, he brings us bananas when he buys too many from Costco. He has no family nearby so we step in to help. For us it’s natural? I wish everyone did this.
When I had to live in a separate country than my husband and cat during a year for work, it was such a treat for my neighbors to share their pets with me for a few minutes for head scratches and belly rubs. That gifting brought me far more joy than things.
Outstanding, Anne Marie. Why, lots of people could signficantly reduce their expenses while significantly increasing their feelings of community. Another thing people can do is make and share a list of 'sharing' resources within their own communities. One that I did is available HERE: https://www.wehatetowaste.com/share-swap-borrow-zerowaste-nyc/
Thank you Jacquie! And thank you for this list. Yes, we need a list of sharing resources like yours for every city. Especially now.
Love this.
In Aarhus, Denmark, loads of coffee shops have reusable to-go cups and machines in the street where you can return them.
You pay a little extra for the cup but get the money back if you use the machine.
https://www.reuseable.dk/blog/aarhus-residents-have-returned-750-000-reusable-cups-in-one-year
Thank you. And thank you for the link. That's incredible—750,000 cups!
A mug library. What a brilliant idea!
Such a good idea!
In Memphis, MO we went to a restaurant where the entire ceiling was covered by hanging mugs. The food was great as well.
Very well said Anne Marie — I often resonate with all your practical nudges. May I also add little free seed libraries to your list? Gift economy, indeed.
Great addition, Lauren. Thank you!
Here is a link to Creative Reuse Centers in the USA: https://www.valleyforge.com/VFF-Sustainability-Creative_Reuse_Centers-Directory_Listing.pdf
Do a search in your area. For instance, the Berkeley CA center on San Pablo is missing.
In Buy Nothing groups, there is also #borrow.
Thank you for this list!
Scrap exchange in Durham nc
Thank you for the addition!
Great bunch of resources, thank you! I am helping at a "Wardrobe Refresh" event in Kansas City this weekend. There will be a mending circle and a community indigo vat!
Oh I would love to attend an event with an indigo vat. Wow! Have fun!
It's so cool!
Interestingly, I learned about gifting at Burning Man. Yes, I was a Burner, for 12 years, then I graduated. But what I learned was that giving feels awesome, especially when it's something you have that someone else needs.
Every year on the Playa, I would take extras of things for the sole purpose of giving them away. After the first coupla years, the practice bled into the default world. Even now, I still carry an extra ice scraper in my vehicle in the winter in case someone needs it. I consider my survival kit, not just for me but for who might need it.
Thanks for this reminder. Gifting is a great way to do unto others.
Oh I've heard that about Burning Man. I will start to think that way too—what can I bring with me that someone might need when I head out.
So many good resources and ideas. Thank you! Sending this along and hoping to put some into motion. We could all benefit from mutual aid. I hosted a seed swap this week and that’s just the start!
Thank you very much for passing this newsletter along. I hope your seed swap was a big success. We need them (the seeds and the seed swaps).
I think we all just need a bit more community. We trade veg with the neighbors on one side, they love our son and we love them and their pets. We also help out/bring food/gift garden produce to the elderly neighbor on our other side. Every winter we shoveled his driveway and front stoop as we don’t want him falling when he goes out for his daily walks, he brings us bananas when he buys too many from Costco. He has no family nearby so we step in to help. For us it’s natural? I wish everyone did this.
Community will solve many of our problems. I think that kind of generosity is contagious. We just need neighbors like you to kick start it!
This was such a good post that I sent it along to my mom! Thank you thank you thank you
I'm glad you liked it. Thank you for sharing!
I am a budget counselor and I also teach people how to can and dehydrate. Every year, I learn a new skill so I can pass on to others!
I am so charmed by Bootsy!
When I had to live in a separate country than my husband and cat during a year for work, it was such a treat for my neighbors to share their pets with me for a few minutes for head scratches and belly rubs. That gifting brought me far more joy than things.