The Buy Nothing Project is described on its website as “a worldwide network of hyper-local gift economies.” The actual communities are collected on Facebook, but it’s the real world where the magic happens. Neighbors, as defined by strictly delineated parameters that vary by group, meet on their local BNP Facebook pages to post requests or donate items. There’s no money or trading allowed, and the person doing the “gifting,” as it's called by members, is allowed to use any criteria she pleases to select the recipient. Some people draw numbers. Others ask members to post answers to a specific question, such as their favorite superhero or breakfast food. Often, the givers just want to know how their items will be used.
