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USA Today
08-08-2025
- General
- USA Today
'Buy Nothing' or free groups help neighbors give (and receive) items at no cost
Naomi Serviss scored a bookshelf and a guitar stand. Michelle Wolf got three spin bikes — two for a teacher friend's classroom and one for herself. Joni Holderman got a gently used rug that retails for $1,000. They're part of a growing trend of consumers giving and getting things — for free — via local community groups that are often titled "No Buy," "Buy Nothing," or tagged with the words "Free in" and a community name, on Facebook or other web platforms. These groups provide a connection among community members and neighbors who want to give things away for free or people who are looking for items. It also helps the environment by keeping unwanted belongings out of the trash or landfill. It is a super-local gifting economy, said Naomi Serviss of North Kingstown, Rhode Island. She has received and given away countless items in Buy Nothing groups both in her current hometown and New York City. Giving away and receiving "electric treasures" Serviss is a long-time thrifter. But getting something for free is even better. When Serviss lived on Manhattan's Upper West Side, she scored what she calls free "eclectic treasures." Among them were African masks, soft sculpture art, decorative sofa pillows and even a runner rug that fit her hallway, she said. "I happily gave away brand-name raincoats, sporty hats and a wedding guest formal gown worn once to my nephew's Albany wedding eight years ago," she told USA TODAY. One of her favorite "gets" was a "stunning" red embroidered kimono, Serviss said. She mounted it on the wall of her one-bedroom apartment. "It was a thing of beauty and when it was time to relinquish it, I joyfully passed it on to an interested neighbor," she said. When Serviss and her husband moved to Rhode Island, she found a new local Buy Nothing group. Serviss gifted a new set of turquoise Ikea stoneware to a person who had posted an "ISO" or "in search of" message for kitchen supplies for her grandson's new apartment. "Coincidentally, that same member was offering a striking antique African doll," said Serviss. "When she responded to my interest, she mentioned how much her grandson loves the dishes and wanted me to have the doll!" How does a Buy Nothing or No Buy group work? The largest network of Buy Nothing groups on Facebook and via a web portal is through the Buy Nothing Project, which was founded in 2013 by two friends, Liesl Clark and Rebecca Rockefeller, in the Pacific Northwest when they saw a beach full of washed-up plastics of every shape, color and size. There were three reasons the ladies started the first group, Clark told USA TODAY in an interview: to help save the environment, to create a gifting economy to share items, and to help people connect socially with each other. "We all need each other and we can create a circular economy within our community and keep sharing our stuff, especially kids stuff and clothes," she said. The women had met on Freecycle, a longstanding web platform where people can post things they are giving away. The friends launched their own concept on Facebook, creating their first Buy Nothing Group in Bainbridge Island, Washington. Within hours, it went from the two ladies to hundreds of people. The idea has now become a worldwide social movement, with 12.85 million users in groups on Facebook and 1.5 million people participating in the BuyNothing App, which also can be accessed online at People from 44 nations have registered Buy Nothing groups on Facebook and downloads of the app come from about 193 countries, Clark said. "We never intended to grow a social movement," she said. "We intended to just solve a problem in our own community, which was the amount of plastics washing ashore." How to participate in a Buy Nothing group It costs nothing for people to participate in a Buy Nothing group. If someone wants to create a new Buy Nothing group on Facebook, it costs $10 for a license. The project then sets up the group and loads the general rules to get the group started, Clark said. Clark said there are groups on Facebook that use the Buy Nothing name and don't register, which is a violation of the trademark, but her group is not big enough to "police" it. There are also groups formed on Facebook that have similar concepts of offering free items within a community, or people who give things away on Facebook Marketplace and are not affiliated, she said. The Buy Nothing Project has also developed a mobile app and website, which is available for people who don't want to be on Facebook. People can find local groups or participate in a global group online or on the app, paying a minimal shipping fee for their free item. That helps open up the concept to people in communities that might be too small for their own group, Clark said. Save money: What is No Buy July? We explain the trend that can save you money. What are the rules of a Buy Nothing or free group? The Buy Nothing groups all agree to some general rules, including that money can't be involved and no illegal activity is allowed. But then, each group has its own rules. Michelle Wolf's group near Pleasantville, New York, asks the gifter to wait six hours before they pick a "winner." Wolf said when she's gifting something, sometimes she picks someone based on their "story" and sometimes she uses an app to pick someone randomly. Wolf "won" a spin bike when she explained that her friend, a teacher for students with disabilities, had a classroom spin bike that broke. The kids in the classroom were thrilled, and so was the gifter, Wolf said. She also got a second bike for the friend's classroom and then one for herself. Holderman said she loves the Buy Nothing group because "it transforms our mindset from one of scarcity and struggle to one of abundance and sharing." A $1,000 "free" rug The best thing Joni Holderman of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has received in her group was an 8-by-10-feet rug from West Elm that, when she looked up the retail value, turned out to be worth $1,000. "I know it was lightly used, but it's wonderful," she said. Holderman has given away a large beach-themed dresser and a sofa, among other things. While she still donates to charities, for something like a sofa, she'd have to haul it there. Instead, someone came and got it. Holderman said she'd also rather give things away to someone grateful instead of getting some money for selling it on Facebook Marketplace. "There's that whole haggling over the price. It's almost an adversarial relationship." Free groups help people struggling in this economy The Buy Nothing community and similar groups are especially helpful in today's economy, Clark said. "Everyday people are struggling and our economy is kind of questionable where it's going to go and we want to be that safety net," said Clark. The groups connect people to each other. "They come for the stuff," Clark said, "and they stay for the community." Betty Lin-Fisher is a consumer reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at blinfisher@ or follow her on X, Facebook or Instagram @blinfisher and @ on Bluesky. Sign up for our free The Daily Money newsletter, which will include consumer news on Fridays, here.
Glasgow Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Aldi crowns garage pub owner as Scotland's beer lover
The title was awarded by Aldi Scotland in a competition launched to celebrate the popularity of craft beer sales. The winner, 55-year-old Iain Mason, decided to convert part of his garage into a cosy bar, which he named Stoaters, in 2023. (Image: Supplied) He did this after realising he lived miles from the nearest pub. Iain spent four months creating Stoaters by himself, using Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle, and local skips to source interior fittings for less than £10 or for free. Read more: MSP demands answers over future of 'vital' bus routes The resulting pub, spanning 13m², features an authentic pub façade and a richly detailed interior and craftsmanship. Judges praised Iain's use of recycled materials and his attention to detail, which reflect the charm of a traditional Scottish pub. Iain said: "I'm not a handyman by any means, so there was plenty of trial and error when building Stoaters, but I got there eventually. (Image: Supplied) "Low lighting and dark varnish hides a lot." Stoaters has become a social hub for Iain's friends and family, hosting karaoke nights, sporting events, and Hogmanay celebrations. Visitors must adhere to two house rules: they must contribute a foreign banknote or business card to pin to the ceiling and take a turn serving behind the bar. The pub stocks a selection of beers, with guest ales regularly on draught, including Iain's favourites from Fierce Beer and Loch Lomond, both available at Aldi. As a reward for his passion for beer, Iain has won a 12-month supply of Aldi Scotland's craft beer range. He will be able to choose from a variety of lagers, pilsners, and IPAs, including Innis & Gunn's Tequila Cask, Loch Lomond Brewery's Bonnie & Clyde, and Fierce Beer's Cerveza. Iain said: "I'm chuffed to have been named Scotland's biggest beer lover and to win such a generous prize from Aldi. "I built Stoaters to enjoy a pint with friends and family without the long trek to the nearest pub. "It's been a real labour of love and I'm very happy that the judges saw the efforts that went into every detail." Graham Nicolson, group buying director of Aldi Scotland, said: "We'd like to raise a glass to Iain on being crowned the nation's biggest beer lover – a well-deserved title for someone so clearly passionate about great brews. "We share that same passion at Aldi Scotland and are proud to support so many of Scotland's microbreweries by bringing their craft creations to shelves across the country. "From bold new IPAs to time-honoured traditional ales, we're committed to showcasing the very best of Scotland's brewing talent for enthusiasts like Iain and for beer lovers everywhere."
Scotsman
10-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Aldi crowns Scotland's biggest beer lover after nationwide search
Aldi Scotland has crowned the winner of its hunt to find the country's biggest beer lover, with an East Kilbride local who built his very own pub taking the top prize. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Aldi Scotland's competition was launched this year to celebrate one of its busiest sales periods for craft beers, with the retailer featuring a range of Scottish microbreweries, including Williams Bros, Fierce Beer and Loch Lomond Brewery. The winning landlord and self-confessed beer lover is Iain Mason, 55. Living miles from the nearest watering hole, Iain decided to convert part of his garage into a cosy bar in 2023. Built single-handedly over four months, almost everything inside the pub – named Stoaters – was sourced for free or under £10 thanks to Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle and local skips. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Stoaters, which spans 13m², impressed the judges with its authentic pub façade, rich interior detailing and thoughtful craftsmanship, which echoes the charm of a traditional Scottish pub. Iain's use of recycled materials was also highly praised. Iain Mason outside Stoaters Iain said: 'I'm not a handyman by any means, so there was plenty of trial and error when building Stoaters, but I got there eventually. Low lighting and dark varnish hides a lot!' Opened in secret on Christmas Day 2023 to an astonished crowd of ten (not even his wife had seen it), Stoaters has since become a hub for Iain's friends and family, hosting karaoke nights, sporting events and even Hogmanay celebrations. Guests must follow two house rules: bring a foreign banknote or business card to pin to the ceiling and take a turn behind the bar. Stoaters now stocks a wide range of beers, with lots of guest ales regularly on draught, including Iain's favourites from Fierce Beer and Loch Lomond, both stocked at Aldi. And, in recognition of his love and enthusiasm for beer, Iain has won a 12-month supply of Aldi Scotland's craft beer range, adding to his already impressive collection. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Iain will be choosing from a range of crisp lagers, pilsners and fruity IPAs, including Innis & Gunn's Tequila Cask (£2.49, 660ml, 5.1% ABV), Loch Lomond Brewery's Bonnie & Clyde (£1.89, 440ml, 4.5% ABV) and Fierce Beer's Cerveza (£4.99, 4 x 330ml, 4% ABV) which are all available at Aldi's 109 Scottish stores. Stoaters, the winning pub Iain continued: 'I'm chuffed to have been named Scotland's biggest beer lover and to win such a generous prize from Aldi. I built Stoaters to enjoy a pint with friends and family without the long trek to the nearest pub. It's been a real labour of love and I'm very happy that the judges saw the efforts that went into every detail.' Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: 'We'd like to raise a glass to Iain on being crowned the nation's biggest beer lover – a well-deserved title for someone so clearly passionate about great brews.
Daily Mail
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Single man sends Facebook wild after accidentally revealing his six-pack while trying to sell a second-hand mirror
A bachelor has set the internet alight after leaving women open-mouthed over his reflection while he tried to sell an old mirror. Daz Gracie posted a listing to sell a pink and white children's desk, complete with a Mirror, on a Facebook Freecycle page last month - but prospective buyers were more interested in his chiselled abs, which were reflected as he took the snap. The 37-year-old, from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, said he didn't plan for his abs to make a guest appearance in the mirrored lid but when he realised, he posted it anyway. The loft insulation installer, who is currently single, said 'within 20 seconds' the desk had been claimed and his phone 'went wild' with messages from women desperate to claim him, rather than the desk. The viral post, which racked up almost 4,000 likes, shares and comments, left Daz 'laughing his head off' and claiming that Facebook ads might be the future of dating. 'My mum's recently moved and whoever lived in the house before had left that desk,' he explained. 'I'd gone to hers on Sunday morning and put an Ikea desk together for her and she asked 'Will you bang it [the kid's desk] on Facebook?'. 'I took some pictures then I noticed my torso was in it. Don't get me wrong I love a topless selfie but I could get a better one than that. Daz Gracie (pictured), 37, said he didn't plan for his abs to make a guest appearance in the mirrored lid but when he realised, he posted it anyway. He claims that, after leaving women hot under the collar on the social media site, Daz's friends suspected he had deliberately shown a little skin to grab the attention of prospective buyers. But he insisted: 'Honestly if I was meant to be in it, I would have put my face in it as well. 'I took it and was like 'I'm posting it anyway' and then all of a sudden my phone was just going wild. I was laughing my head off at some of the comments. 'Someone said 'I'm not interested in the desk but I'd definitely take the man', I was like 'Oh my God, here we go'.' Daz's Facebook post reads: 'Child's desk free to collect near Barnsley town centre. Thank you.' One woman wrote: 'Can I be considered, please, but not for the desk? X' Another commented: 'Is the man still available with delivery. Erm I mean the item.' One wrote: 'Mmmm very nice, whoever gets it is a very lucky girl.' Another commented: 'Freecycle the future of dating.' He said the post spread beyond the UK and he had people from Canada and the US messaging him. The post spread beyond the UK and Daz had people from Canada and the US messaging him and it's continuing to make the rounds online The post is continuing to make the rounds online despite a neighbour claiming the desk '20 seconds' after Daz listed it. He admits that despite being a 'good-looking chap', the situation has been 'good for the ego'. 'I'm not on the dating apps. I think I'm a good-looking chap anyway, I get plenty of messages,' he said. 'I've only been single about seven months and I was with my partner for a while. Having a lot of thirsty women after me on Facebook is definitely good for the ego. 'I'm not tempted to take any of them up on the offer just yet, I'm going on holiday so I'll see what happens after. 'My advice to any single blokes struggling to get messages on dating apps - get a picture on 'items for sale' and see what happens. Your luck could change.'
