When Desi Hrevatis moved from the Keystone State of Pennsylvania to the very deep South six months ago with her family, there was plenty to get used to. Not one to sit still, however, she soon joined the rhythm of her new community in Starkville. Friends she made through Starkville Real Food and local homeschool circles helped ground her during the transition. Recently the 41-year-old felt there was one tradition from her former Philadelphia neighborhood that the Golden Triangle could enjoy, too, because, well, who doesn’t love free stuff?
“Where I came from, it was very common for people to leave boxes of usable items in front of their house with a ‘free’ sign on it,” explained Hrevatis, who is a consultant in psychiatric research. In fact, there was a “free store” not far from where she used to live. People brought in unwanted items, shelved them themselves and took what they wanted. Earlier this month, the Pennsylvania transplant thought the time was right to debut a Really Really Free Market (RRFM) event in Starkville.
“I am unable to throw anything away without first looking at it and thinking ‘could someone else use this?'” she said. “If so, it should not sit in a landfill. It should be shared.”
The concept is simple. Bring something, take something. Or many somethings. Money is not exchanged; bartering is non-existent. This “alternative gift economy” encourages anyone who wants to participate to bring usable household items they no longer need or want, and take away whatever they need. It may be books, small appliances, artwork or toys. Office supplies, sports equipment, clothing and tools are popular as well. No large items too big for one person to carry away, no chemicals or unused paint, pets, empty toner or ink cartridges — but everyone contributes something and can go away with more.
It’s a temporary market, a way to share resources, a reduction of landfill waste, economically and ecologically sound in a society that often suffers from insatiable consumerism. When families share their excess, it fosters more reliance on communities and less on multinational corporations.
The first named RRFM seems to have taken place in Christchurch, New Zealand, according to Wikipedia. The movement spread throughout Europe and eventually surfaced in the U.S., where it has taken root in dozens of cities. It shares multiple goals with the freecycle movement. The Freecycle Network is a nonprofit organization registered in Arizona. It coordinates a worldwide network of “gifting” groups to divert reusable goods from landfills. Through online registries, local groups can offer and receive free items for reuse or recycling.
“If we share our resources we won’t need to buy as much,” Hrevatis said. “By forming more connected communities, we decrease reliance on an economic system that doesn’t always have our best interests at heart.”
Besides, it’s fun to sort through the neighbors’ things.
Live lighter
When Jessica Cheek and her fiance drove up to Starkville’s McKee Park 15 minutes after the market opened Feb. 11, they were pleasantly surprised to see so many cars. Hrevatis estimates about 150 people visited the three-hour event that was publicized solely through Facebook.
“I instantly saw a few friends,” Cheek said. “Mamas were setting out children’s clothes and books, daddies were tending to children and helping organize, and college-aged folks were bringing in items.”
Market-goer David Hoffman came away with a bird lithograph he’ll clean up and hang in his house. “It was great to see the diverse group of people that came out,” said the associate professor and graduate coordinator in Mississippi State’s Department of Anthropology and Middle Eastern Cultures. “We need more events like this to help everyone live a little lighter on the Earth by promoting the reuse of items,” he said.
Cheek brought a vase, popsicle molds and a few other small items in hopes they would find a new home. She left with a yoga sequencing book, just what she had been thinking about getting.
“How cool is that? We absolutely loved the event and the idea behind it,” she said.
The market sounded like a win-win to Starkville Parks and Recreation Program Coordinator Lisa Cox, who assisted Hrevatis in booking McKee Park.
“We just thought it would be a great opportunity and something different for the community. We look for things like that.”
Palmer Home for Children made the market possible as well, agreeing to pick up any leftover items and delivering them to Palmer Home Thrift Stores.
Enthusiasm seems high for another Really Really Free Market soon. Hrevatis is game. Her vision is to expand it with shared services, not just goods.
“Wouldn’t it be great if people could offer free haircuts, free tool sharpening, free anything they can share? Maybe someone likes to juggle or do magic tricks. Musical folks could bring instruments and create an unscripted community jam.” Her secret dream, she confessed, is to find a food truck or two to participate. It’s really all about people sharing things, talents, enjoying the park and hanging out with their neighbors, she said.
“And doesn’t that sound like a lovely afternoon?”
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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