Global Buy Nothing Movement Comes to Chester County

Started in 2013 by two friends in the Seattle-area as a way to slow consumer purchasing, the Buy Nothing Project has grown into a social movement that has gone global. The project which is run locally, typically through a closed-Facebook group, encourages neighbors to share items they no longer need and request things the could use.

“Our rules are simple,” the project website states, “Post anything you’d like to give away, lend, or share amongst neighbors. Ask for anything you’d like to receive for free or borrow.”

While the group has 28-chapters the in Philadelphia-area, Chester County has been slower to embrace the concept.

“I thought it looked interesting but was disappointed to see there wasn’t one here in West Chester so I decided to start one,” said Margaret Westbrook, founder and admin of the West Chester borough group which launched in December 2018.

In the past year, three new Chester County-based groups were formed. There is also a group for residents of East Goshen and the Downingtown, Exton, Coatesville area. This is in addition to a group in Phoenixville that has been in operation since 2015.

To join members must request access from an admin who verifies their address.

“Answer the three questions to verify if you live within the boundaries,” explains Westbrook. “If the questions are not answered, the admins cannot approve membership.”

Community is Key

Recent mentions on the West Chester Group site had one member looking for moving boxes, while someone else offered up her tea maker. With the exception here and there, on first take, Buy Nothing groups have a similar look and feel to other community sites. Items are posted. Hands are raised. Items are doled out on a first come, first serve basis. Outside of no money being exchanged it is all very similar. There is however, something deeper at work here.

“When you pick up or drop off an object, try to make a personal connection with your neighbor. This builds community,” says Westbrook.

Posters are encouraged to expound on their request or offer. Make the messages personal. According to the projects main website, abbreviations such as ISO (in search of) or NWT (new with tags) are frowned upon. Their use, the website states, "can feel alienating to those who don’t typically join buy/sell/trade groups."

A feeling that clearly goes against the Project's stated purpose. For these sharing-groups it is not about the score (that’s just a plus), it’s about the community.

Cara Corridoni is editor of Hello, West Chester, a blog dedicated to sharing West Chester news and happenings.