Really Really Free Market
The Really Really Free Market is one of überculture’s most well-known projects.
The market is designed to provide a stigma-free space for sharing and community building. As well, it is a sustainable alternative to consumerism, reminding us that you don’t always need to fork over cash for new stuff.
How does it work? Students and non-students alike are encouraged to contribute their unwanted or no-longer-used items and invited to take home with them whatever catches their eye. Best of all, you don’t need to bring things in order to take things home with you (though people tend to enjoy doing both). There are no rules and plenty of free things.
Things you can find at / bring to the market: The only criteria are that the stuff you bring is clean and usable by someone else (and not too heavy!). In the past, we’ve taken things like clothing, books, shoes, jewelry, appliances (preferably small), posters, toys, stuffed animals, winter clothes, steel-toed boots, and bike parts.
The goal? To emphasize the possibilities and benefits of sustainable, community-based sharing, while at the same time demonstrating that you don’t always need to take a blow to the wallet for a (slightly used) pair of jeans or new necklace.
What do you do with extra clothes? Clothes that aren’t taken by the end of that month’s event are stored and brought out for the next month’s market. If the clothes we end up with exceed our storage space, we donate the extras to a local clothing charity.
Here is a slideshow of September 2010′s RRFM uncustomers with their free goods!
**If you want to get involved with planning or coordination of the RRFM or have an idea of how we can make it better, send an e-mail to uberculture@csu.qc.ca with “RRFM” in the Subject line.
Carol
November 18, 2010
When is the next Free Market? If I have things like unused art supplies (paint) can I bring them?
gonzonieto
November 19, 2010
The next RRFM is November 23rd and 24th (this coming Tuesday/Wednesday) from 10am-4pm on the 7th floor of the Hall building.
And yes, absolutely! The only criteria the thing(s) you bring must pass is, apart from being clean, that someone else can put it/them to use. Oh, and that they’re not too heavy to carry
henry Wahbe
November 30, 2010
Hi folks! Just wondering what the December dates are for the next RRFM!. If there is a place where I can bring my stuff in the meantime, please let me know!. Great idea by the way! I have already brought in lots of goodies in November and even found some cool things for myself!. Thanks for replying!. Henry!
gonzonieto
November 30, 2010
Unfortunately, we won’t be having a RRFM in December as we are all students and will either be at home visiting our families or still studying for/writing finals. However, we’ll be starting back up as soon as January comes around.
In the meantime, if you have stuff to drop off, send us an email at uberculture[AT]csu[DOT]qc[DOT]ca with how much stuff you have and when you’d like to drop it off at our office (check the “Get Involved” page for office hours).
Gonzo
meansoybean
January 24, 2011
Is this strictly for (Concordia) students?
gonzonieto
January 24, 2011
Anyone is welcome to come to the Free Market, they don’t have to be a Concordia student or even a student at all.
We’re having another Free Market this Friday January 28th from 10am-4pm on the 7th floor of the Hall building. Come check it out!