Make sure a group doesn’t already exist by checking the list at buynothingproject.org. If there isn’t one, you must contact the administration through the website and follow protocol. “Buy Nothing Project” is trademarked, and you will be happy for their guidance. Additionally, the exchanges are typically done on Facebook, so all members can see the transactions.

Set clear boundaries. Borders can be tricky and may evolve over time. However, if you live in a suburban or rural area where population is not as dense and car transportation is more common, you may find your group covering several towns.

Give freely from your own abundance and only take what you can use. No one is keeping score and giving is not based on financial need. Everyone is equal, and choosing who to gift when an item is in high demand may be selected at random, based on pickup time, through picking a number, however the gifter would like to choose.

Don’t use this as a platform to buy or sell things. There are plenty of other groups for that. Make sure to read the pinned documents for some of the basic rules of group decorum.

Share your skills. You can also help someone move, unclog their drain, or teach them piano. Gifts don’t always have to be tangible and may be service-based.

Show appreciation. You don’t need to reciprocate with anything, but a simple “Thank you” goes a long way.