Consider a Buy Nothing Option to fight back against the rising prices, Walmart, and Amazon

It’s no secret that wages are not keeping up with price increases. While we have yet to feel the full cost of the on-again, off-again, now on-again tariffs, most things are costing more. 

PECO raised its rates this past June by 12.6%  The Philadelphia Water Department, after a back-door deal with Community Legal Services and the City, will raise rates in three weeks by 18%. At the same time, SEPTA will raise fares by 21.5% unless it receives more funding. PGW, the City’s other municipal utility, is seeking a 13% increase. Gas at the pump has risen 4% in the last 6 months.

Food prices are also rising. The cost of eggs hit a record high in 2025. The average price for a dozen eggs in March 2025 was $6.47. Chicken breast prices rose by $0.30 per pound, and the cost of a loaf of bread also increased. Orange juice increased $0.42 from last year, and a pound of bacon averages $0.31 more per pound.

There is general agreement that the coming tariffs will, at least in the short term, drive up prices. Few people believe that every corporation will give up its profits to help struggling consumers. Even if one believes that the tariffs will lead to more production in the United States, that will not happen quickly. What is made or grown overseas will be taxed unless President Trump once again changes his mind.

The challenge for consumers is to find a way to lower our costs. Most of us change our shopping patterns, buying more things on sale, looking to “warehouse” shopping like Costco or “discount” supermarkets. But that is not the only option.

The market for “gently used clothes” is growing. A quick look online shows several sites that offer used designer clothing. ThreadUp, and the “eBay store” Designer Clothing Resale are two examples. If you would rather shop in person, there is the Buffalo Exchange in Center City, which offers a way to sell your old clothes while buying some that were sold by others. 

And of course, there are always thrift stores. Project Homespun Boutique, run by Project Home, is one example. “Sales revenue generated through the sale of gently-used, high-quality designer men’s and women’s apparel at affordable prices.” It’s an opportunity to buy some quality clothes while helping people find homes.

Under the radar are the “No Buying” organizations. The Buy Nothing Project provides free global Buy Nothing gift economy access, community resources, and personal support to Buy Nothing participants via an app, website, and support forums. It describes itself as “a global gift economy network.” What’s a gift economy? An ancient system of giving, receiving, and sharing gifts of stuff and self in ways that build the best sort of wealth: resilient, joyful communities that are inclusive at their core.

Everything here is freely-given and freely-received, without any expectation of reward or compensation other than the joy of giving, receiving, sharing, and building a strong web of connections between people.

By visiting the web page, you can access groups via an app or Facebook.

Philadelphia has several “no buying groups” organized by neighborhoods. Some are affiliated with “Buy Nothing” and others are independent (full disclosure, I belong to the No Buy South Philly group). If you have access to Facebook, despite its problems, you can see if there is a local Buy Nothing group where you live.

All of the groups require you to apply for membership. If you are accepted, you will be able to both post what you would like to give away and see if there is anything you need.

It is an imperfect system run by volunteers, but it is a way of fighting against the rising costs, the throw-away culture, and it takes money from Walmart and Amazon. That’s something no elected official is doing right now. Please use common sense when giving away or picking something up.

Below is the list of rules from the No Buy South Philadelphia, to which I belong.

1. No shaming, bullying, racist comments, fighting and so on. And please, no political posts.
2. No exchanging money. This means no buying, selling or donating money under any circumstance.
3. It is fine to request free items but please no begging for money or food. There are plenty of neighborhood groups, such as South Silly, where people are willing to help with resources. Please check @southphlcommunityfridge for free food locations. While we’re dedicated to building a stronger neighborhood community by sharing free goods and services, this group is not equipped to help people in desperate need. Please see the pinned post for free food resources.
4. Do not share videos or memes. No missing people, scam alerts, events, and so on. Posts should only include free items, services, or events.
5. This is not a dating page. Please do not comment on other people’s appearance or leave inappropriate comments. People should not be made uncomfortable while posting.
6. Please do not contact other members without their permission. If you see an item you are interested in, please leave a comment. The gifter will respond or message the recipient to make plans for pickup. Please do not message anyone directly unless they ask you to.
7. Please do not list or request live animals. Please share your lost animal posts on appropriate animal or neighborhood groups. Check the group announcements for a list of lost animal options. Lost animal posts will be deleted.
8. Duh! We’re not a black market for prescription medication, illegal drugs, and alcohol. This includes weapons and other banned items on Facebook (like porn).
9. Please do not post personal information, full address, telephone number, and so on. Talk in private on Messenger if you need to schedule a pickup.
10. Please don’t link to other groups. Please create a new post to share any free items. Only share items that you’re giving away, not other people’s items in other groups.