Check out these links:
How to Start a Local Really Really Free Market
What Is a Really Really Free Market?
Join Freecycle
Nowtopia! How Pirate Programmers, Outlaw Bicyclists, and Vacant-Lot Gardeners Are Inventing the Future Today! by Chris Carlsson
Videos About the Gift Economy:
Check out 36 Steps to a Gift Economy by Genevieve Vaughan
Read 37 Ways to Join the Gift Economy by Beverly Feldman and Charles Gray, in Yes! magazine. Here's an excerpt:
"You don't have to participate in a local currency or service exchange to be part of the cooperative gift economy. Any time you do a favor for a family member, neighbor, colleague, or stranger you're part of it. Here are some ways you can spend time in the gift economy, where you'll find fun, freedom, and connection."
A few examples from their list:
- Start a dinner co-op. Rotate among the homes of friends and neighbors for weekly or monthly potlucks.
- Hold twice-yearly sport supply exchanges so kids can acquire new skis and baseball mitts and everyone can try out a new sport.
- Organize a "non-consumption booth" at a farmers' market or street fair. At the Charlottetown Farmers' Market, the Environmental Chat Corner hosts discussions of environmental issues, sustainable building and landscaping, ecotourism, and community development.
- Request help of someone usually regarded as needy.
- Throw a block party.
- Create a space for neighbors to keep and share infrequently used tools and extra garden supplies.
- Start a car co-op with various vehicles for different uses. Share expenses based on mileage.
- Paint donated bicycles and place them in downtown areas with signs indicating they're for anyone to use.
- Teach a skill, like carpentry, and ask your students to donate time to others.
- Hold talent shows. Give kids lots of recognition, and everyone opportunity to discover their hidden talents.