Could you get by "buying nothing"? This Croydon community group wants to make it happen
A number of Croydon locals have embraced a new philosophy of "hyperlocal gifting communities" - with participants providing context of why they would benefit from receiving a gift.
Astrid Jian
March 27, 2025
For a growing number of Croydon locals, a Facebook group has become a staple in their everyday lives.
Croydon resident Nicole Fernley created the “Buy Nothing Croydon” group in 2020, after she read about the concept of “hyperlocal gifting communities” in a book while recovering from an injury. Upon discovering that there was no Croydon group, she took it upon herself to create her own.
“I had a very serious foot injury,” Fernley told the Eastern Melburnian.
“[Creating the group] was like therapy in a way, just something I could do for my community even if I couldn’t move and was in a wheelchair.
“I feel very privileged to have created this space. People need community, more than ever.”
The official Buy Nothing website describes the worldwide project as existing to “build resilient communities where our true wealth is the connections forged between neighbours”.
Buy Nothing groups are not just another online marketplace or bulletin board. Fernley said the core ethos of the group was “intentional gifting”, an antidote to the “first come, first serve” nature of marketplaces or other ‘“free item” groups.
In the Croydon group, members are asked to wait 24 hours before allocating items - making it inclusive and accessible to all, instead of a ‘fastest fingers’ race. Members comment under posts of any items they’re interested in, and are encouraged to provide context for why they may benefit from it.
“It’s all about context, people providing a reason why they want something, and starting conversations,” Fernley said.
The “Buy Nothing” concept has extended far beyond gifting and receiving free items. “I’ve had people come help with my garden,” Fernley said.
“It’s not just about things. It’s about people, community and connection.”
Posts in the group range from someone asking for a ride to a last minute request for baking ingredients.
Moderating a largely online community comes with its own challenges.
Trust and transparency are key, but Fernley said that the digital nature of the group makes it difficult at times. A generous member once gifted a set of retro chairs, only to later find it being sold on Facebook Marketplace.
“We have to trust the community to report things,” she said.
Fernley said the Croydon group was largely a positive and welcoming space. Participants have reached out to let her know that the group is the only reason they’re still on social media, and it’s not uncommon for the occasional gratitude post to pop up.
The success of the group in recent years has even led to offline gatherings.
On the third Sunday of every month, members are encouraged to bring quality items to the Central Ringwood Community Centre for a clothes share.