I’m always inspired by people who have figured out the whole barter world. For our cover story coming out in this week’s issue, I talked to an artist who has bartered a few of her prints for things she needs. For her, it makes environmental sense–and makes sense to me, too.

Lots of swapping and free stuff Web sites are a big deal right now. But take a look at the Craigslist Tucson page under free and barter. The area has some pretty good finds that I imagine you’d have to move on fast. It seems like excellent place to give out stuff, like if you’re going through a divorce and want to get rid of your husband’s baseball caps or T-shirts.

The barter area, however, is most interesting. It seems that lots of people in our dear city wouldn’t mind bartering things like bikes, go-carts and such–for GUNS. So if any of our Libertarian friends out there have some extra guns they want to get rid of, I did indeed see an ad for bikes, a go-cart and an iPhone; the owners want to trade for a handgun or two. Let’s make a deal.

All this bartering stuff reminded me of this cool program I remembered from Seattle. Fremont Time is a group that is still around and coordinates the bartering of skills. You’re an attorney that can do a divorce, but you need someone to landscape your yard? Well, there might be a landscaper who needs a divorce. No guns involved, just some paperwork and topsoil.

Seems like something we could use here in Saguaro Land.

This article appears in Mar 19-25, 2009.

9 replies on “Free Stuff: One Man’s Shit Is Another Dude’s Cool Stuff”

  1. Okay. It’s left to Red Star to wonder what journalists have to offer in the barter market…

  4. Mari, This might be a great way to get guns off the street. We could barter all kinds of stuff, collect the guns and then burn them.

    Also, there was a big barter club some time ago in town (atually I think it was a national thing.) Anyway, my parents were deeply involved, my father being a child of the depression who was always looking for a great deal, but the feds got a hold of it and everyone who bartered services had to pay taxes on it because it was considered “income.” The club died out quickly after that.

  5. Rita: That’s strange. In northern Washington outside Tonasket they had a barter fair every year (still do)that was always lots of fun, no taxes and no feds. You just had to be careful your kids did accidently buy the wrong kind of brownies.
    Red Star: Most are freaks with really nothing to offer. If it happens to be a payday, maybe a beer and an ear to listen to a good story or some problems… that’s about it.

  6. Melt the guns. Melt the guns. Melt the guns, and nevermore to fire them.

    Melt the guns. Melt the guns. Melt the guns, and nevermore desire them.

  7. Before you melt The guns…you better check what has
    been going on in Africa. About 2 million people killed and very few guns used. They were killed with sharp sticks and very long sharp knifes…If I have to die I sure don’t want to be hacked to death. Larry

  9. FnA thrift shop and antiques on 2600 w Valencia is a real good place to trade something that you don’t need for something that you like. I’ve gotten some real nice useful things there.

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