I heard an interesting story on NPR the other day especially in light of the economy. Barter is making a comeback, but what about a market where all the stuff is given away for free? This is great for so many of us that are downsizing.
Margot Adler profiles a Really Really Free Market in Greenwich Village, New York with what she calls it “a kind of anarchist utopian vision: No money changes hands.”
“Some people bring bags of stuff to give away; others take away bags of clothing, toys and books. There are CDs, videos, paper goods, as well as people giving free counseling and dental advice. You can get a free haircut or get your face painted. Sam Imperatrici has been helping the market organize. “It’s like Christmas or like walking into a candy store where everything is free,” she says. “The goods and services are the anchor, but the main thing is the connectivity between people that happens when you take the exchange of money out of the picture”
I love this idea of setting up a table and giving away my stuff that is useful to others. I wish there was one in Chicago. I recently gave away my business library to members of my Inner Circle. More importantly, I think these markets play an important role as Sam says in connecting people to each other in an economy where things get get pretty lonely.
Is there one of these in your area? Have you participated?
