Bunz: Trade, Upcycle, Connect!
Those who know me know I look for any alternative to buying new or throwing anything away. Sometimes though, this can be tricky. Unfortunately not everything we donate will be sold in thrift stores, and it can be tricky finding what you’re looking for (at a reasonable price) in a buy and sell environment. So what are you supposed to do if you’re looking for a sustainable option at a great price?
A friend recently introduced me to an app she loves called Bunz. She used it both to find housewares and to connect with people while she lived in Vancouver. I love sustainable options - add in community building and I’m sold. As adults it can be tough to meet people and create community, but it’s actually vital to our well-being.
So What is Bunz?
It’s essentially a trading app. Think of apps such as Kijiji or Ebay, but instead of listing items for sale, you list items for trade. When you set up your profile, you list items you'd accept in a trade under your ISO (in search of) list. And when responding to trades you can review what people are looking for in order to offer something that they’ll find valuable.
Once the trade is agreed upon, you make the trade, meet a new human (likely with similar interests) and gain a useful new object. Trade, Upcycle, Connect!
I’m particularly drawn to Bunz because:
The creators are Canadian
Their vision statement is to “build stronger, more sustainable communities”.
What’s for Trade on Bunz?
All sorts of things! You can find housewares, vegan baking, and everything in between. Trade self care items, house plants, puzzles - you name it! I've even seen a car. You can trade things that maybe you wouldn't sell on other market places (or maybe you would). My girlfriend was even able to trade a used deodorant that didn’t work for her.
I love this app because it's yet another tool to help us avoid waste. Yes these things can be donated, but like I've previously mentioned- not everything makes it to the secondhand store floor and not everything that makes it to the floors sells. This gives your unused items a second chance at a new home.
Why’s it Called Bunz?
Absolutely no clue! I couldn’t find this online. If you know why please let us know in the comments - I’m curious too!
Let’s Talk About BTZ!
Not interested in collecting more stuff or don’t have anything to trade in return?
Bunz also has its own crypto currency BTZ which you can use to “pay” for a trade or accept as payment for a trade. Before COVID, you could even get gift cards to some local businesses with your BTZ. I expect they’ll bring this practice back once businesses are recovering. You can earn BTZ by answering daily surveys or accepting them in trades.
Looking to Connect?
If you’re more interested in the social aspect of Bunz, it also has forums! In the forums you can connect with other Zero-Waste enthusiasts, plant lovers, vegan bakers, folks in your area, and more! Chat, identify plants, ask questions, and connect!
I know Vancouver and Toronto have thriving Bunz communities and there are even communities in the US. If your city doesn't have a Bunz community, try starting one with some friends, family, or colleagues. The more people there are, the more people you're likely to attract.
Currently the Edmonton area only has a small Bunz community so it's my mission to increase that. Get on your phone and download it right now (Apple or Android),input your in-search-of (ISO) list, post a few items for trade, and get trading. Most importantly - tell everyone you know to check out Bunz and trade with me!
Let me know if you've ever tried Bunz or if there's a community in your area. If you haven't tried it, I highly recommend it!
