Global Ecovillage Network/Solution Library/Swap markets!

▼This solution entry was ported from the Global Ecovillage Network's Solutions Library.This is open edit, but please leave your comments on the talk page before editing.

consumerism, waste management, consumerist culture, alienation As an alternative to consumerism and wastage, create a Swap Market in your community - where people can freely exchange their surplus stuff and connect with each other.

A Swap Market, or Swap Party is a community event, where people can freely exchange stuff that they no longer need, and receive stuff that others don't need. Instead of throwing things to the garbage, we give them away to others. Instead of buying something new, we can receive from others. Whereas consumerist culture pushes us to buy more and more things because we 'don't have enough', the Swap Market poses a joyful, sustainable alternative - there IS enough. There is abundance to share and rejoice in together.

Furthermore, the Market is a fun, creative gathering of people and families and can become a platform for community building and cooperation. It can involve music, activities for children, workshops from local businesses or community members, and anything else you can think of! Entry to the market can either be free or a small fee can be charged to cover costs and to contribute to a community initiative (such as a community garden or center).

• Social
  • Diversity & Cohesion
  • Lifelong Education
• Ecology
  • Water Cycles

• http://www.bayadaim.org.il/492
• http://www.bayadaim.org.il/4TU