When you live in New York City, you pay a high price for groceries, rent and transportation. But for most people, it is worth the cost. Brooklyn is no exception, and most people will say that to live close to Manhattan, you have to pay the price.
But things are getting a little cheaper now that there is a new store in town. The Free Store. And with these trouble economic time, it couldn't come soon enough. The Free Store is is exactly what it sounds like. The big white tent located on Walworth street in Bedford-Stuyvesant has signs saying “Take what you want. Share what you think others may enjoy (not limited to material items).”
You can never be sure what you will find there, according to a New York Times article, some of the past finds have been a fur coat, some wingtip shoes and even some cans of green beans. The merchandise is always changing, and since the store opened in July, it has become a success.
The founders of The Free Store say that the store was created to promote recycling and demonstrate the feasibility of reusing and to offer an alternative to capitalism. According to one of the organizers-
“New York is world renowned for having the best garbage.There could be free stores everywhere.”
I think this is such a wonderful idea. Especially with so many people being unemployed or underemployed, this store is a great way to get rid of the things that you don't need and maybe find some things that you do. Giving away stuff you don't use is so much better for your spirit than just throwing things out. Most of the merchandise you will find a the market has been donated, but still others have been picked from the trash. The stock changes, and no one is ever turned away because they don't have anything material to donate. Sharing goodwill and merchandise, everyone is invited to participate in the sense of community living. And as they say at the Free Store- everyone has currency.
By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a freelance writer and regular contributor to several websites and other publications, a volunteer, a full time mom and an active job seeker.
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