The Buy Nothing Project is a global conglomeration of community-based groups, founded in Bainbridge Island, Washington, in 2013, that encourages giving (or recycling) of consumer goods and services (called "gifts of self"[2]) in preference to conventional commerce.
The stated aim of the Buy Nothing Project is "to build resilient communities where our true wealth is the connections forged between neighbors".[1] It began as a Facebook campaign, (now existing both on Facebook and as a standalone, separate app) and has built up local groups in the US and other countries, claiming over 4,000 volunteers and 7.5million community members.[1][3]
Controversy
The Buy Nothing Project began enforcing its trademark in late 2025, leading to the shutdown of many independent Facebook gifting groups that used the term "Buy Nothing".[4]