Have you ever heard of a store where everything is FREE? The closest thing that previously came to my mind was The Trading Post on the classic Canadian children’s television series Mr. Dressup, where Mr. Dressup would barter one item or service for another.

Free stores work on the principle of the gift economy. An alternative to purchasing or trading, there is no value exchange taking place between people.

Here is how it works:

• People donate(s) items they no longer need or desire to keep
• Those who may need or want certain items can take the items for FREE

You can find books, clothes, housewares, electronics, furniture and more in free stores – basically, any item that someone would likely take and that the free store can hold in their space. Don’t have space for a free store, no problem. Really Really Free Markets are ‘pop-up’ free stores held in public parks and squares.

Free stores originated from anti-capitalist and anarchist movements. The Diggers, a 60’s “community anarchist” activist and art group started the first free stores. The idea slowly popularized through anarchist social centres, and later, student environmental activists.

Free stores are a form of direct action activism, where your impact is immediate and can easily be seen. Free stores help reduce consumption, promote recycling, repurposing and repairing, and provide equitable access to goods for those with limited incomes. However, my favourite thing about Free Stores is that they can help open people’s minds and show us an alternative to a world filled with endless consumption.

Don’t take my word for it, visit and support free stores near you:

Mississauga, ON:

Creative Zone – 933 Central Parkway West - https://familydaycare.com/creative-zone-free-recycling-paradise/

Ottawa, ON:

UOttawa Free Store - 647 King Edward Ave - https://sustainable.uottawa.ca/free-store

Peterborough, ON:

OPIRG Peterborough Free Store - 751 George Street N. (Sadleir House) - http://opirgptbo.ca/free-market/

Toronto, ON:

ArtsJunktion – 380 Ossington Ave. (Ossington/Old Orchard Public School) - http://goo.gl/8gqq0L

Regenesis York Free Store – 4700 Keele Street (HNES Building) - http://regenes.is/yorku/

University of Toronto Swap Shop – 487 Spadina Crescent (South Borden Building) - http://www.fs.utoronto.ca/building-services-trades/recycling-services/swap/