The ‘Beli Nothing Project’ Facebook group is a community-based group where everyone can help save the earth while also helping those in need through the art of giving and receiving.
Warming hearts with the joy of giving
The ‘Beli Nothing Project (Kuching, Sarawak)’ (BNP) on Facebook is a unique community group. Unlike most Facebook forums, BNP does not require monetary exchanges. The exchange that occurs within the group is an exchange from the heart, given without expecting anything in return.
It is in the nature of BNP to bless someone with things that are no longer in use. The group, which started in Kuala Lumpur, expanded to Kuching, Sarawak, five years ago. Manned by Awang Muzaiddin, a freelance environment and community consultant, he tells us more about BNP Kuching chapter.
“BNP was founded by a man who was looking for a baby fence for his dog. He thought that rather than buying, he could obtain it from someone who has one but does not need it. When he posted his request on Facebook, someone responded. He then considered the possibility of giving it away once more in the future. That is when he had an idea, believing that such a system could work.”
BNP’s registration booth.
Awang recalled the founder’s desire to expand sustainability through BNP. That is when Awang decided to establish the BNP Kuching chapter in 2018. The group currently has over 6,000 members. He believes that the group is a good place to give and receive items.
“As a result, the items are reused rather than being disposed of in a landfill.”
Aside from that, BNP is popular among new mothers. Awang revealed that he receives posts about giving away useful baby items.
“There will be baby clothes, baby shoes, bathtubs, and other items that expectant mothers will need.”
Although good, caution followed
Despite the fact that it is a good platform for mothers to receive baby items to reuse, Awang is wary of posts like this. This is because these types of posts attract fishy individuals who want to use the group to take items for profit.
As more suspicious people try to take advantage of the free items, Awang becomes more vigilant and filters his members.
“But I’m not doing it alone. With the help of active group members, we investigate suspicious people. I would also ask them simple questions. If I found anything amiss, I would suspend their membership.”
Awang shared an incident from five years ago in which a recycling company requested that the items posted in the group be given to them.
“A representative of the company wanted to collect and resell these items. I told him he cannot do that.”
Awang’s strict administration helps the group’s growth and development into a proper platform for giving and receiving. Nonetheless, for a solo administration like BNP Kuching, Sarawak, there is a lot to do.
“There is only so much I can do. I have no idea what happens behind the scenes, especially when the exchanges take place in respective direct messages. However, if there is a problem, the group members will usually notify me.
“It is difficult to manage this group because there are so many people to deal with. Therefore, the implementation of which members who violate the rules will be banned is a feasible one. I need to ensure that the collection is done fairly and that everyone has the opportunity to receive and give,” he added.
The good, kind-hearted people
BNP receives an average of 60 posts per day. On weekdays, Awang can approve up to 50 posts per day. Meanwhile, weekend posts can reach 70. The posts prior to the recent Chinese New Year celebrations were the most intense, as gifters rushed through a spring cleaning.
Friendships were formed between the recipients and the gifters as a result of these posts. The warmth of giving and receiving is touching because there are good people among us. As the group’s manager, Awang revealed that he frequently receives posts about health-related equipment that are up for grabs.
“I occasionally get posts offering wheelchairs or hospital beds. Many of those who receive these items cannot afford them, so it is wonderful that they are blessed this way.”
While these items are just another part of BNP’s regular posts, Awang mentioned that some givers at times offer odd items.
“I have approved posts about single-use plastic bags. While reading it, I wondered if anyone would be interested in receiving it. People were, indeed, interested in getting it.”
Other odd items received by BNP include packet chopsticks, sauces, and empty egg cartons. Awang said that the latter is for avid gardeners to use in their gardens.
BNP’s recent physical event
On November 26, 2022, BNP, along with active members of the group, organised an Open Car Boot Day event at The Borneo House in Kuching. The event was a success, and Awang was pleased to report that there were no complications.
“The planning process began in June of last year. And, because our group does not receive any financial assistance, the people involved poured their sweat and tears into organising this event,” said Awang.
When asked to describe the event, he said it was unlike running an online platform.
“I was worried that the crowd would become rowdy, but I’m happy to say that there was none of that. Because there were no monetary exchanges, people generally just took what they wanted and left.”
A commendable initiative, BNP also establishes a Siburan, Serian, and Kota Samarahan chapter on Facebook. This is done to reach a more targeted audience within those areas for easier giving and receiving.
According to Awang, the way forward into the future is to achieve a sustainable development goal by reducing landfill in Sarawak.
“Everything we do is for the benefit of Mother Earth. Therefore, I maintain the awareness of giving it away rather than throwing it away. It is an environmentally friendly activity,” he added.
