The Really Really Free Market
I just came across the concept of the Really Really Free Market recently, and I am in love. I am so enamored of the Really Really Free Market’s concept, that I’m hoping to start one here.
It’s a simple concept, but in this culture of rampant consumerism it’s nonetheless radical too. Rather than a town-wide garage sale or a charity-sponsored rummage sale (both of which are fairly worthy endeavors) the Really Really Free Market is simply that: really really free. No money, no trades, no exchanges or barters should take place and nothing is required for participating; rather, you bring what you can to share and give away and you take what you need.
It seems like a great way to build community, reduce the “Buy! Buy!! BUY!!!” mentality and participate in a great, free, event. I could even see a market as the building block for a Really Really Free Festival.
Infoshop has a great article and informative how-to from organizers of successful Really Really Free Markets.
“Because there’s enough for everyone
Because sharing is more fulfilling than owning
Because corporations would rather the landfills overflow than anyone get anything for free
Because scarcity is a myth constructed to keep us at the mercy of the economy
Because a sunny day outside is better than anything money could buy
Because “free trade” is a contradiction in terms
Because no one should have to do without food, shelter, entertainment, and community
Because life should be a picnic, but it only will be if we make it happenBECAUSE THERE IS TOO SUCH THING AS A FREE LUNCH!”
Sweet, ain’t it?
May 10th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
If you do I have plenty of stuff to donate to the free market!!
May 12th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
I love this idea as well. I could see this idea working really well where I live. Good luck on starting one in your community.
May 13th, 2007 at 6:31 am
This is such a fantastic idea. I may propose it on my Freecycle group. “Not it” for planning, though!
May 14th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
What a great idea!
May 24th, 2007 at 1:56 am
AWESOME… Maybe someday in Singapore :-0
May 25th, 2007 at 3:28 pm
Brilliant idea — I love the flier, too
July 20th, 2007 at 9:01 pm
Great concept - sounds a bit like my last yard sale: when it to be around lunchtime and standing out by the road got a bit bored, just put up signs that said “Free to a good home”! Must read up on this idea…
July 25th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
I love the concept. I just wish I new of a really really free market happening in my neighborhood, but wait, I should start one, right? Hey, you probably already know this, but Whole Foods, WalMart and Wegman’s Food Marts will take back and recycle ANY plastic bags?!!
Julie
July 29th, 2007 at 11:36 pm
This is such a great idea! I’ve never even heard of a truly free market. I’m going to check out the Infoshop link….I’d love to get something like that going in my area.