Why Thousands of Households Are Cutting Back on New Purchases—and What They’re Doing Instead

You might have heard of the “Buy Nothing” movement, but is that actually possible? The answer is yes, and here’s why. In simple terms, the Buy Nothing movement is not about actually buying zero things, nor is it about going without or living off the grid.

Instead, it’s about choosing not to buy new stuff or finding other ways to get what you need. Or, better yet, becoming more aware of impulse buying, cutting waste, saving money, and rethinking the idea that “new” is always better. 

Those practicing this movement avoid purchasing nonessential items and instead rely on reuse, borrowing, repairing, thrifting, and sharing within their communities. Sometimes it’s a short-term challenge, sometimes a long-term lifestyle shift, but the goal is the same: reduce over-consumption and make better use of what already exists.

How Does the "Buy Nothing" Movement Work?

When you find yourself shopping for a nonessential item, instead of just buying something new with the tap of your finger, try to meet your needs through what already exists: borrowing from a neighbor, accepting a hand-me-down, repairing what’s broken, or finding something secondhand. Of course, you’ll still need to buy essentials like groceries, medicine, and true necessities, but when it comes to everything else, ask yourself: “Do I actually need to buy this?”

For some, this practice starts as a time-bound challenge, such as buying nothing new for a month or a year. For others, it’s more of a mindset shift that starts with joining a local Buy Nothing or secondhand group, offering up unused items, or asking for something before jumping online. The emphasis isn’t on perfection or deprivation; it’s on slowing consumption and seeing how much we already have access to when we stop shopping by default.

How to Get Started

There are many ways to try this trend, and most are far easier than they seem. Here are a few bite-sized ways to get started.

Time-Tested Challenges

Start out by dipping your toe in the idea, perhaps by trying a "Buy Nothing New Month." For 30 days, try to avoid buying anything new beyond essentials and see how often you can make do with what you already have. It’s eye-opening how quickly the habit of shopping fades.

After that, go bigger with a year-long no-buy challenge, committing to only essential purchases for an entire year. That might sound intense, but participants usually create their own rules, deciding what counts as “essential” and where they’ll allow some flexibility. It’s not about being perfect; it’s just about being aware.

Community Groups

If that sounds like too much, that’s alright! A large part of the movement occurs at the community level through Buy Nothing groups (especially on social media), where neighbors give away items they no longer need and request items they’re looking for—no money involved. Need a ladder for the weekend? Extra planters? Kids’ clothes for the next size up? Chances are someone nearby has exactly what you need and is happy to share it.

Then there’s the hands-on side: repairing and repurposing. Instead of replacing something the moment it breaks or feels outdated, try fixing it, altering it, or finding a new use for it. That might mean sewing a tear, refinishing a table, or turning an old jar into storage. It’s practical, but it also builds confidence—and keeps useful items out of landfills.

Swap Events

Finally, many communities host swap events, where clothes, books, tools, and household items are traded locally. Think of these like a book club where you gather with a bunch of like-minded people and learn something new. Truthfully, these feel more like social gatherings than shopping trips, and they reinforce one of the movement’s core ideas: when we share resources, everyone ends up with more—without buying anything new.