Via Community News Service, a University of Vermont journalism internship, for the Other Paper
Tara Lynn is the administrator of “Buy Nothing South Burlington, VT,” a Facebook group where residents can exchange items, ranging from clothes and household items to even food and support, for free. The group is just one of 8,000 Facebook pages that make up the Buy Nothing Project, which aims to reduce waste while connecting neighbors.
Tara has been in charge of the group since 2021 and active since she first moved to Vermont. She says it is an important part of the community and shapes her identity as a Vermont resident.
Q. What brought you to Vermont and the “Buy Nothing” group?
A. I’m originally from New York, and I first came to Vermont for a job and a change of environment. The Buy Nothing Project was something I found searching for community, and it just so happened that the group was looking for an administrator at the time.
Q. When was the Facebook group started, and what was your initial experience with it?
A. The former Chittenden County Buy Nothing group was one of the first Facebook groups I joined here. When the group became more active, it got so big it had to “sprout” into separate groups in 2021, and the admin asked me if I would take on South Burlington. That group started with a handful of people, and five years later, we’re almost 2,000 people and growing daily. It’s amazing.
Q. What do you do specifically in your role as administrator?
A. Nothing really bad has happened in my group as everybody’s pretty pleasant with each other. The community keeps itself in check, because these are the people that you live next to.
Otherwise, I create posts for engagement, moderate if there’s any issues and screen the profiles to make sure that there’s no spam. Personally, when I have time, I try to assist with whatever I can. Recently, somebody needed help with a sewing machine that broke, and I was able to tune it up and return it to the owner.
Q. What are some of the most unique items that were given away?
A. Some items are handmade from our members or from local artists. So that’s always nice to see. Sometimes we get food donations, things unique to the area and local stuff.
Q. Vermont is very focused on community and sustainability. Keeping that in mind, why do you think groups like this are important?
A. When there’s any kind of issue affecting the community, people in Vermont see what they can do to help. When they see an economic need, they go out and support their neighbors, whether that’s fundraising or supporting a cause. When the federal government cut SNAP benefits, we did a food collection for people in the group. I think that mentality is ingrained in the population here.
It’s also important to share with other people. The things we no longer need can always be used by and help somebody else. It creates a sense of belonging for people. One of the things that I think really helps our community is the kids’ clothes. It’s nice to see everyone swapping them back and forth.
Q. What has this experience taught you?
A. I’ve always been shy, so it really helped with communication with other people, and I believe it also broke down barriers for me and taught me to be mindful, just because I see all types of people. You don’t have to tell us why you need something, from toilet paper to a new living room couch. That way, there’s no issue with shaming anybody or someone feeling awkward.
Q. How do you see yourself and your role in the future for the group?
A. I foresee another sprout in the future. We’ll definitely grow to a point where I’m going to need assistance or another admin. I love the group. Giving people a place to find help makes me feel good. I also really like the idea of a no-waste community. That’s another thing instilled in Vermont’s community. And now that I’m involved, I don’t really see myself stopping.
Q. Do you have any advice for anyone looking to be more involved in Buy Nothing groups?
A. They just have to ask, and if they’re a good fit, there’s no real guidelines on how to select someone. You have to see if it works out, just like with anything else.
Q. You were searching for community when you moved here. Would you say that search was fulfilled through the Buy Nothing group?
A. I definitely would. I made friends in the group, and I know there’s people that I can count on for assistance. Being part of the group, I don’t feel so alone here. My husband and I moved here without family, so it’s definitely helped me fulfill that need of friends and family around.