No cash, no trades and no barters: 'Buy Nothing' movement picks up in Quebec
Bill Wexler's garage is filled with things his community has given him for free -- and things he's ready to give away, no strings attached.
He's part of the "Buy Nothing" movement, when community members give away items they're ready to part with.
The only rule? It has to be for free, with no money, trading or bartering involved.
"There's a lot more people that are a lot more unfortunate than we are," said Wexler, adding that the movement has environmental benefits as well.
But it's more than just giveaways: he says the main objective is to build community.
"The aim of the Buy Nothing is to get to know your neighbour."
The movement started in the U.S. and made its way to Canada. In Montreal, several networks have already been set up on Facebook.
Cindy Giroux, who started the Buy Nothing Baie-d'Urfé Facebook group, lives just down the street from Wexler.
She was inspired by a Buy Nothing group in Seattle, where she lived for a few years before coming back to Montreal.
Upon her return, Giroux needed some supplies for her daughter's science project and made a post on Facebook.
Within a few minutes, she had all the supplies she needed, and the idea to set up her own Buy Nothing page was born.
"The goal is to keep things out of landfills," she said. "So maybe [it's] the pot that doesn't have a handle that works, somebody else looks at that and says, 'I can use that in my garden.'"
Like Wexler, she says it's been a great way to get to know her neighbours.
"[It's] the same way you'd knock on your neighbour's door if you needed a cup of sugar."
The idea is to keep each group hyper-local, so most pick-ups are within walking distance.
Giroux hopes the movement can change people's attitudes towards money and consumerism.
"I hope people can rethink the need to buy everything."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.