lorabishop's review

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challenging hopeful informative inspiring fast-paced

4.0

benrogerswpg's review against another edition

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4.0

Better than the Marie Kondo (KonMari) books and methodology. The definitive guide to having less because it is inevitably worse for the environment.

Would highly recommend.

4.4/5

jeannette_m's review against another edition

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hopeful informative inspiring slow-paced

3.25

gritshelme's review against another edition

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4.0

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

At its heart, this book is about the ways in which we can save some money and our planet by buying less, and that buying less by participating in a "gift" or "shared" economy also helps us get back the sense of community which many of us are so sorely lacking in today's world.

This was a little weird to read while under a stay-at-home order, as not much the authors suggest as far as sharing with your neighbors and bringing reusable bags to the grocery stores is really possible right now. But all of the advise and ideas the authors provide--and there is a lot!--is excellent, and will give me things to think about in the future.

The seven main chapters of the book are presented as a seven-step process to getting involved in--or launching--your local shared economy: give; ask; reuse & refuse; reflect; make & fix; share, lend & borrow; and gratitude. I will admit that I have not tried to put any of these steps into practice whilst reading the book, but they seem like an excellent road map to follow.

If you are interested in living a more low-waste life or starting your own low-buy challenge and need some concrete tips to help get you started, this book is an excellent choice!

annieb123's review against another edition

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4.0

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

The Buy Nothing, Get Everything Plan is a tutorial and philosophy guide which proposes practical ways to decrease our carbon footprints, live richly and simply, and provide ourselves with the things we *need* to do well. Released 14th April 2020 by Simon & Schuster on their Atria imprint, it's 288 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.

The pandemic and subsequent economic collapse have shown us what people have known for ages. Our current treadmill of ever faster and more frenetic consuming isn't sustainable for us or for the planet we share. We need to find another way to do better and we're really on the knife-edge of passing the point of no return.

The authors were the originators of the Buy Nothing Project and have seen their grassroots group grow to become thousands of groups and more than a million active members. The book has an engaging and accessible format with usable plans for reducing waste, buying little (to nothing), giving away excess to be used by other people in your area (thus keeping unneeded items out of landfills), and enjoying being surrounded by less clutter and the positive emotional benefits of direct generosity.

I found it worthwhile and thought provoking. Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

laurenqt's review against another edition

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4.0

I really liked this book. Lots of good tips and some good ideas for a Buy Nothing group. I want to start one in Bristol.

mellyjc's review against another edition

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This one has some info I definitely need to go back and consume visually. Some things seems outside the reach of possibility but I appreciate the extra validation on Buy Nothing and the benefits of it. Definitely had me thinking differently at some points, in terms of not just a platform/tool, but a "project". I'm curious how many things are actually true outside the Bainbridge community (some of the recycling possibilities). Some privilege is evident, but I didn't feel there was anything condescending in this book like I've experienced in some others. The bits about ecology and sustainability hadn't really occurred to me before the read, and that resonates highly with my values, so I appreciated the inclusion.

itshannahivy's review against another edition

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challenging informative inspiring slow-paced

3.0

salabeam's review against another edition

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4.0

Was nice to get some new ideas to add to the things I've already been doing.

flappermyrtle's review against another edition

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hopeful informative inspiring

4.0