Give it away: the environmental and social benefits of the gift economy

​By Laura Servage

Community members enjoying the gift economy at the SLNA-WRG's October 2024 FreeMarket, held as part of its REmarket initiative.

​On October 8 and 9, 2025,  the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association Waste Reduction Group held its 14th REmarket event, which included the ever-popular FreeMarket, where you can donate things, shop for free and find useful items for your home and family.

Free markets like ours are sprouting up across communities as we are all learning to be more conscious of what we buy and dispose of. It’s great to find new homes for things that might otherwise be thrown away.

When we’re exchanging things for free – giving, receiving and reciprocating – we’re participating in the gift economy. The goals and values of a gift economy are to share more, reduce our reliance on buying new things, reduce waste and build trusting relationships in our communities.

We definitely need the useful donations we get from our neighbours to make Freemarket a success. But we want you to know that during times outside of REmarket events, you can still enjoy the gift economy spirit and meet some nice people by joining an online swap or “for free” group. In these groups, you can post items to give away. You might also find something you need that is being gifted by someone in your community!

While Toronto is home to several free exchange groups you can choose from, Buy Nothing Canada groups have well-established guidelines and work within specific geographical boundaries. The guidelines and local exchanges make it easier to meet up, but they are also intended to foster a sense of community, reciprocity and social trust.

In addition to meeting some nice people, giving stuff away has additional benefits, outlined below. 

1. A say over where your item goes
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You don’t need it and don’t use it, but it has some monetary or sentimental value. Knowing your item can live on and bring joy to a neighbour who can use it may be the little push you need to let it go. The feeling may be more rewarding than any money you could have received by selling it!

2. Get ‘er done

If you haven’t gotten around to selling it, don’t know what it’s worth or don’t know if the process is worth the trouble, try letting it go for free! You’ll experience the relief of getting the decision checked off your to-do list.
Give a second life to weird stuff you might otherwise throw out.

Yarn scraps? Empty jars? Wired earbuds? A scented candle you used once, but it made you sneeze? Try giving it away before you give it up for landfill.

3. Reflecting on consumption

Hanging on to things we don’t need or trying to resell them can be strategies we use to reduce buyer’s remorse. Giving things away can help us reflect on our buying habits in the future. REfusing to buy in the first place is the best waste reduction strategy in our toolkit!
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If you’ve got things to share and just can’t wait until the next REmarket, try your local Buy Nothing Canada group or other swap groups. Meet some folks in your community and enjoy the good feels!

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Edited by Ivan Chen