A Small Way to Give Back: Role of Buy Nothing Groups During COVID-19 Pandemic
Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic severely disrupted global supply chains, leading to empty stores and rising product costs. In response, Buy Nothing Groups (BNG) on Facebook emerged as a platform for virtual gifting, promoting sustainability, resiliency, and community. This study investigates the role of BNG during the pandemic, focusing on clothing related items. Through an online survey, 37 BNG members were analyzed, revealing that participants used the groups primarily to give away unwanted items, reduce clutter, fulfill others’ wishes, and ask for needed items. BNG members played a crucial role in mitigating product shortages by offering and asking for clothing, shoes, accessories, and PPE. The generosity of BNG members provided a sense of security, fostering emotional and physical well-being during a challenging time. This study suggests that BNG contribute to increased lifecycles of goods, promoting sustainability and circularity in the supply chain, with implications for local governments and sustainable clothing companies.
Keywords: Buy Nothing, Supply Chain, Community Sharing
How to Cite:
Frontino, J. & Bhaduri, G., (2025) “A Small Way to Give Back: Role of Buy Nothing Groups During COVID-19 Pandemic”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 80(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.17231
Downloads:
Download PDF
View PDF
65 Views
13 Downloads