Buffalo, New York: Get What You Need For Free

What if you could post online that you needed something, and got it - no questions asked - from someone right here in Buffalo, New York?

There are some platforms that come close like Craigslist and Facebook marketplace, but there’s another app where you can get exactly what you need - from a bedroom set to a cup of sugar - without having to spend a dime.

That’s the main idea behind The Buy Nothing Project.

What Is The Buy Nothing Project?

The Buy Nothing Project originally started as a string of closed Facebook groups. After the pandemic hit in early 2020 and more people started to lose their jobs and struggle to get things they needed, the initiative steadily grew. Now, Buy Nothing has its very own app in the app store. As of January 2022, there were reportedly over 7,000 individual Buy Nothing groups across 44 countries, including right here in Buffalo.

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How Does The Buy Nothing App Work?

The Buy Nothing Project bills itself as a “gift economy.” In their words, “everything shared on Buy Nothing is given freely - no money, no barter, no strings.”

On their platform, you can ask for things that you need, and/or give away the household items piling up in your house.

It works by allowing someone to post in three different categories: Gifts, Asks, and Gratitudes. Gifts are household items you can post that you no longer need and feel that someone else could use. Asks are just that - posting that you need something to see if anyone else has it. Gratitudes are to show your appreciation and thanks for your neighbors who helped you out.

Why The Buy Nothing Project Is Good For Buffalo

This model of giving not only is environmentally sustainable by not constantly having to throw away things you don’t need, but it helps to build community and friendship. The Buy Nothing Project is a perfect fit for the citizens of Buffalo, New York - we are the “City Of Good Neighbors,” after all.