Getting Involved
Be Thoughtful
Give What You Actually Want
Who am I to say what a person needs? Maybe you do need an older, somewhat used, yellow, deep-pill floor mat. Its just that there are some things that you know you would want, and some things you know you would just re-gift or throw away. Some things you rely on every day and some things you keep in the attic. What do you value? Be pragmatic. Trade pragmatically.
Do you need a bush-hog for your tractor? Well, make sure that extra post hole driller gets to someone who can put it to use. Do they owe you? Yes. Figure out a good swap. Work or harvest or something similar. Just make sure you don't let that thing sit unused in your shed while your friend could use it. You know you could sure use a bush-hog. Someone has one sitting in a shed somewhere, unused.
Pay It Forward
Gift economy is a little uncomfortable. So I have 10 years of writing, music making, poetry and other creativity that I would like the world to experience. But I might get a baby bed quilt in exchange. Maybe it's worth it? I don't know. I do know however, that someone needs a baby bed quilt, and I will look for that person.
The trick to trade economies is that they are accounted in love and awareness, and the transactions are long in the making. Sometimes the trades are funny and would make book-keepers irate. I think that's the way its supposed to be. Be generous. I'll try to be generous as well.
Things People Traded
Legal Work
I needed a contract. It was a perfect swap.
Photo by Cytonn Photography
2 Gallons of Honey
Amazing, unheated, natural honey. Thanks so much.
Photo by Meggyn Pomerleau
Box of Salmon Fillets on Ice
You know who you are. Right, they caught, filleted and chilled these amazing fish. Alaskans; so privileged. Possibly the most amazing thing I ever ate. Thanks again.
Photo by Marco Tjokro
Some UV Resistant Greenhouse Plastic
Hey, it was pretty cool. They had extra, and we made a greenhouse with it.
Photo by Zoe Schaeffer
A Quarter Beef
Photo by Usman Yousaf
Maybe You Have Extra?
Seeds
Maybe you have extra seeds? Especially wildcrafted or hand harvested! Maybe you have some little starts of something?
Wool Yarn
That you sheared, cleaned, carded and dyed yourself!? Or not... but who doesn't need more wool yarn? Or wool working tools...
Books
We love books. Good books are difficult to find. Maybe you have some favorites that we don't have yet?
Learn
Alternate Economy Notes
Here are some resources that I have enjoyed on my path to discover an alternative understanding of economy. Of course, my study started with Jesus Christ and his teachings, but religion has so clouded his statements that I suggest starting in other places, and then re-considering his teachings once you have covered some new territory in your own thoughts.
Also, experience poverty if you have not yet done so. Poverty is a fantastic instructor.
