5 Sustainable Ways to Share Resources In Your Community

I went on an artist date to see an independent film called Farming While Black. This incredible film is about two sisters who own a farm called Soulfire Farm in Petersburg, New York. They eventually transitioned the farm into a cooperative (co-op). And I was immediately inspired by this.

My first exposure to cooperatives came through Fannie Lou Hamer, an activist who believed not only in civil rights, but also in creating food security in agriculture. She believed no one should go hungry. What I saw in her was a way to share resources with the community.

One way I learned how to do this was by sharing my car with my daughter to run errands. I was raised to be hyper-independent, and to believe that everyone should have their own. So, as the saying goes, “it starts at home”. This was my defining moment to change my mind about sharing.

1. Use Word of Mouth to Share Items

Let your personal text chat groups know what items you are giving away. For example, I sent pictures of unopened diapers with a message asking if they or anyone they knew could use these items. Remember, building community starts with those closest to you, and then you can expand.

2. List Items on No-Buy Community Pages

Listing items on these no-buy pages on social media platforms isn’t about never buying anything new. It’s simply about reusing and giving away things you no longer need or value, but someone else will. You’ll be surprised how many folks need the things you’ve hung on to for years. Small tables, baby toys, toddler clothes, and even leftover moving boxes are on these pages!

3. Teach a Sewing Class and Repurpose Clothing

If you know how to sew, you are invaluable. This is something artificial intelligence, eh, hem, AI, cannot do. Post your sewing lessons at a local laundromat, a coffee shop (with permission, of course), or a library. I have joined a couple of sewing groups in my area to get started. I already crochet, so shout-out to all my crocheters out there. If you know how to crochet, you also have useful skills. People need blankets and sweaters, especially during the colder months!

4. Share Bulk Essentials

You probably have things that you bought sitting in your house right now, taking up space. Instead of wondering where to place the overflow, you can ask friends or family if they would like to share the cost of purchasing toiletries, cleaning products, or even tools! The people who need it most may be those closest to you who might not want to say so because of embarrassment. This goes back to that old sentiment of doing everything ourselves (eyeball roll).

5. Grow What You Will Eat

This is a tough one for me because I don’t like to cook, and I honestly don’t have any answers, but I’m willing to get started. I think the first question to ask if you’re a beginner is: what’s the easiest thing I can learn to grow quickly (on my balcony. Lol)?  A good place to start is swinging by your local farmer’s market or community garden program. Ask if they know folks in your area who rent out small spaces for a fee.

We’re all trying to survive out here. On a micro level, I believe we can do this amid the manufactured idea that there’s not enough to go around because of greed and waste. I’m ready to share. Are you?

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