If you need an eco-friendly house project that’ll help clear the clutter and your mind, then you’ll definitely want to read on! This is one of the best tactics I’ve found to tackle clutter in a responsible and weirdly satisfying way.
Eco-Friendly House Project That Saves You Time & Money
Having stuff in your home that’s no longer useful to you or just sadly sits in a cabinet all by its lonesome (or with the other sad items!) can drag you down mentally, emotionally, and creatively. You might start a donation bag but you’d like a more eco-friendly house project, that guarantees your things will go to good use. If you’re like me, most of my stuff is in tiptop shape because I gingerly care for my belongings so that I don’t waste so much.
And if something’s in good shape, but not being used, how and where do you part with it?
Many people just do a general haul to a thrift shop without a second thought. But, as a major overthinker, I have lots and LOTS of second thoughts about just dropping off and being on my merry way. While I love thrift shops, sometimes they get overwhelmed with items they can’t sell and sometimes those items just get tossed out.
I worry about stuff going into the oblivion, aka, the landfill.
This Post is Also for the Sentimental Souls
If you get this, you probably also want that beautiful pitcher your friend gave you going to someone who’ll appreciate it. You’ll want that twirly dress you wore ten years ago under the stars going to another twirly girl who’ll find the magic in it, too. And you know that pristine set of dishes you got from your great aunt? You never use them, but want to pass them on to someone special who will…because your aunt was someone special.
A few years ago I heard about The Buy Nothing Project from a YouTuber, so I checked it out, got into it, too, and am now paying it forward to you.
This post is all about the eco-friendly house project that’ll make your life a heckuva lot easier.
Hey, sweetie…
This page contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through my affiliate link at no extra cost to you. My recommendations are always items I buy or totally want to buy!
The Buy Nothing Project
The Buy Nothing Project is a Facebook group that’s actually a bunch of smaller neighborhood groups who pass on their cool stuff to each other, stuff one person doesn’t use anymore, but someone else could. It’s a community of givers and people who don’t like to waste.
Everything is free. You can gift and you can also receive some great items for zero dollars. Think of it as an online thrift shop without the checkout.
I love this resource because you know your item is going to someone who really wants it.
How does The Buy Nothing Project work?
- Snap a pic of your item.
- Post it with the heading: GIVE. Then write a brief description. It can be as simple as “Calvin Klein dress. Size: Medium. Like New!”
- Most likely and soon after, you’ll get people commenting “Interested” in the comments section.
- Many people do drawings to pick a winner if there’s more than one person interested in the item. I use Wheel of Names, which just randomly selects someone for me!
- Once you have a winner, you can ask them to private message you, to set up pick-up times and a place. In my neighborhood, we just leave our items on our porches and the person who’s receiving the item comes to pick it up.
- You can also send out an “In Search Of” request for an item. For example, if you’re looking for a bunch of Mason jars for a party, you just might find someone who has about 400 Mason jars. You never know!
Is it safe to give my address to someone in this group?
That’s a great question and I’m always for safety first! I think it all depends on your comfort level. There’s a level of trust in our group, plus as time goes on, you get to know the people and it becomes more of a community. Our group is also a pretty small section of our city, so it’s not everyone in the whole county and beyond.
I told one of my friends about The Buy Nothing Project and she got into it so much that she’s started an in-person book club with some of the members of her neighborhood!
But if you don’t feel comfortable, you could also meet at a neutral location. I say, trust your gut. If someone feels off, you don’t have to give them anything or continue communication.
My tip: Read the comments and study the process before diving in. You’ll see the regular contributors, how people interact, and get a feel for the group. You can also ask an intuitive friend their opinion on any messages you receive.
How do I sign up for The Buy Nothing Project?
If you’re on Facebook, search “The Buy Nothing Project.” Once you’ve found it, you’ll be directed to enter your zip or city so that they can add you to the right neighborhood group.
It’s a private group, so once you’ve filled out the info, you’ll get a notice about being accepted. Once you’re in, you can start gifting or even requesting stuff you’re searching for!
What have you given away to people by using this awesome eco-friendly house donation project?
Oh my gosh, LOTS.
- Clothes: I’ve met a nice lady who takes clothes to a Foster Care center that she volunteers with.
- Shoes that are in great shape
- Stuffed animals (I wash on Delicate beforehand so they’re all fresh!)
- A floor pillow
- Curtains
- A stylish trashcan
- Retro nutcrackers
- Coasters
- Skating knee and elbow pads
- Wine glasses
- Pottery
- Books
- Purses
- Empty gift boxes
- Greeting cards
- Inflatable bed
- Picture frames
- Ribbons
- Framed quotes
- A limited edition Obama poster I never framed!
- Ceiling fans
- A rug
- Jewelry
- Plants
- Colander
- Pillow covers and throw pillow inserts
- Furnace filters
- Furniture
- Dog waterer
- Art
What have you received from The Buy Nothing Project?
So far, nothing tangible! I’m trying to thin out stuff before I start adding more to my collection. But, if I needed something specific, I’d definitely look there. Lots of people shop this way and it’s so eco-conscious and thrifty.
I will say I’ve gotten lots of awesome ideas that neighbors share back and forth. Did you know that grocery store florists will take your vases back to reuse? That’s a Buy Nothing Project tip!
I even had a woman see my treat bowl for delivery providers and she got the idea to do one on her porch, too! It’s fun to swap tips!
Wouldn’t a yard sale be a more profitable eco-friendly house project?
Of course, extra cash is always nice! Who doesn’t love some cold, hard cash? But, the amount of time it takes to collect stuff, price it, lug it outside, and sit there all day while people pick through your stuff just isn’t worth it to me.
Same goes for selling things online! You have to take even more pictures, do more uploading, do more explaining. This girl ain’t got that kind of time.
HOWEVER, I absolutely admire people who can sell their stuff like no other. I wish I had that kind of moxie! I really do.
Another thing: I like helping people who may not be able to afford what they need and want at the moment. You never know what people are struggling with.
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Why will I love The Buy Nothing Project?
You will love:
- Giving your treasured (and sometimes sentimental) belongings to someone who really wants them and will appreciate them
- The ease of decluttering
- The ease of just dropping off your item on your porch and not having to ship it, drag it to a sale, or drive it somewhere
- The positive feeling that giving gives to your heart
- Seeing other people’s stuff: It’s fascinating!
- Making new community friends
- Acquiring fresh ideas
- Saving money
- Staying at home…I see you, cute little homebody over there!
- Less guilt about upgrading to another item because you’ve given away your pre-loved item and made room for something new
- Having your stuff become new for someone else and be thoughtfully used, instead of possibly going straight to the landfill
- Saving large trash bags you’d normally drop off at the thrift shop. Oh, and these bags are plant-based, so I use them now for trash or transporting stuff.
- The lighter feeling of less stuff
- Passing a part of your story on to someone else: Once you’ve given something away, you don’t delete the post. Rather, you list it as GIFTED and it stays in the group’s photos as part of the history of what’s been given and what’s been received. A part of who we are lives on.
What if no one wants my stuff?
First of all, I think people will want your stuff! People even take stuff like Metamucil, shampoo, and egg cartons. So, post and see what happens!
But, I’ve had this problem just a few times. I might just re-post later or try to give it away somewhere else.
I like your ideas. What’s another eco-friendly house project you recommend?
Why, thanks, sweetie!
Get organized. And it’s very funny I’m telling you this, because I’m NOT an expert at organization.
BUT, you know what I AM an expert at? Buying items I already have because I’m not organized!
If you can get a system down where you know what you have in stock, you will save:
- Time
- MONEY
- Resources
- Energy
- Your sanity
- Other people’s sanity
- Your dog’s sanity
How many times have I bought something because I thought I ran out of it, then three days later, found a whole kit and caboodle of it? Don’t be me.
If YOU have organization tips, I’d love to hear them in the comments. PLEASE. I’m desperate. I’m BEGGING you.
Let’s Wrap This Up
By now, you know more than you ever thought you would about The Buy Nothing Project, an eco-friendly house project you can start anytime and do whenever you want. Thanks for reading, lovelies!
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This is so relatable! 😆 Organization really does save so much time (and sanity!). I love the idea of being more mindful of what we already have—it’s such a simple but effective way to be eco-friendly. Now, if only I could stick to an organizing system…
Yes, Domii! I hear you on all of that. I feel like I was so much more organized when I was younger and thought I’d be so much more put-together at my age now. Uhhhhh…nope! Live and learn, for sure! Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment!
I love The Buy Nothing Project’s mission to reduce waste and build community through sharing and reuse. It’s amazing how something as simple as giving away a gently used item can bring people together and make a positive impact.
I know, right?! I gave some jewelry away a few times and people wanted to let me know that it’s going to good use or would be given to loved ones as gifts. I think that’s such a kind gesture. I even got a handwritten thank-you note left on my porch once. That was so lovely. Thank you for your sweet comment, Danoue!