Introduction: How We Came to Buy Less and Share More -- Why We Should Buy Nothing: The plastic age -- A clean solution -- The psychology of consumerism -- Drowning in stuff -- The unexpected joy of buying nothing -- An Invitation to Buy Nothing: Try our 7-step buy nothing challenge -- The rules -- Exceptions -- Step 1: Give: Himalayan teachings -- The importance of having something to give -- An economy built on giving -- Step 1: Give -- How to give -- Regarding gift economies, women, poverty, and wealth -- How to create a gift economy group -- Gift of self -- We invite you to give -- Step 2: Ask: Money separates us, gift economies connect us -- We've forgotten how to ask -- A buy nothing wedding -- Step 2: Ask: -- All gifts have equal value -- Unexpected connections -- We invite you to ask -- Step 3: Reuse & Refuse: -- An experiment in buying nothing -- Why shopping feels good and buying nothing can feel better -- Life less groceries -- Step 3: Reuse & refuse -- 50 things we never buy -- Make every day a special occasion -- We invite you to reuse & refuse -- Step 4: Reflect -- The thrill of shopping -- Step 4: Reflect: -- We invite you to reflect -- Questions to ask before you buy something -- Step 5: Make & Fix: -- Be a producer, not a consumer -- Step 5: Make -- Fix it! -- 50 things we make -- We invite you to make & fix -- Step 6: Share, Lend & Borrow: -- Create your Shareocracy -- Step 6: Share -- 50 things we share -- 50 things we lend & borrow -- We invite you to share, lend & borrow -- Step 7: Gratitude: -- Step 7: Gratitude -- The ultimate gift -- We invite you to express gratitude -- Just the Beginning: Buy Nothing for Life: -- Share your experience -- Start over and over and over again -- Challenge yourself to buy nothing longer -- Buy mindfully-- A Vision for the Future: -- Giving networks as aid organizations -- Saving the earth, one give, ask, share at a time -- Real-world sharing.
Summary:
What began as an experimental, hyperlocal group of neighbors who share and pool resources has become a viral social movement - "The buy nothing project" - that has more than a million members worldwide. Inspired by traditional Himalayan gift economies, "The buy nothing, get everything plan" reveals the philosophy and method to this liberating new way of life. At once an actionable plan and a thought-provoking exploration of our addiction to stuff, this environmentally conscious seven-step program will help you turn your clutter into treasure, spend less time shopping and more time connecting, and let go of the need to buy new things. Filled with helpful lists, like 50 items you never need to buy (zip-top bags and paper towels) and 50 things to make (household cleaners and salad dressing), along with dozens of creative upcycling ideas, "The buy nothing, get everything plan" is a practical guide to an ancient philosophy that's more timely and necessary than ever. Discover the true freedom and happiness that come from shopping less and sharing more. --from publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.