Communities such as Freecycle have been running efficient exchange programmes for some time and become increasingly popular. The idea of giving away items no longer needed rather than selling them for cash has proved to be as attractive to us cash strapped or anti-commercial punters as picking up items we need for free.

Without money to cause friction, exchanges can take place easily and one person’s waste become another’s treasure. In addition, there is much to be gained from the plethora of good will and altruism involved in non-financial acquirement and donation as well as the sustainable practice of recycling unwanted items instead of carelessly disposing of them as we have been so well trained to do over the past few decades.

In East London, Non Commercial House have taken free exchange a step further and opened up a space on Commercial Street, Shoreditch where visitors can share instead of buying and selling goods. The shop is open Thursdays to Sundays from 12 till 8pm so if you are in the area, go check it out. Donate those items you’ve been hoarding instead of using and see what goodies you can find to exchange.

From: Indymedia – Non Commercial House
Bring items you no longer require that are clogging up your home. Take stuff you need that someone else has abandoned. Come along to get help fixing your bicycle or for a cuppa tea

We live in a society of over consumption and waste. Non Commercial House aims to offer an alternative based upon cooperation, mutual respect and sustainable living. It is not only about objects but about sharing! We hope to have various workshops and discussions taking place over the coming weeks.

Items can be dropped off anytime; knock on the door or leave them out front. This is a non-profit, non-hierarchical space open to all and your input is valued so drop by some time to get involved and let us know what your ideas / thoughts are.

Non Commercial House, 165 Commercial Street, London
Open: Thursday – Sunday, 12pm – 8pm
NonCommercialHouse@riseup.net

Further Info:
Indymedia – Non Commercial House