Exploring the value and potential of hyperlocal gift economies

Overview

The Australian federal government has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 to address and reverse the effects of climate change and transition to a circular economy. Achieving net-zero will require a shift in how we use, share and dispose of products, and our relationship to our local communities and planet.

In other words, this goal will require an extraordinary shift in the way we ordinarily live. As informal practices of circularity are already happening across Australian neighbourhoods, they have extraordinary potential to reduce waste and increase community well-being – two essential factors of a sustainable, circular economy.

Research activities

This research project explores the value and possibilities of Buy Nothing groups – an international digital gift economy movement – to build community and reduce consumption.

Outcomes

The purpose of this research is to investigate the motivations, barriers and impacts of digital gift economy participation on community well-being and sustainability.

The objectives of this project are:

• exploring how group norming and behaviour change intersect with platform affordances and group dynamics for shifting values around sustainable consumption and disposal practices
• investigating this plus-sum approach to sustainability, and how this is connected to community well-being via the positive impact of acts of altruism and generosity
• examining why people may not join or participate actively in a digital gift economy and how any barriers to entry and engagement might be addressed.

Scholarships

You may be eligible to apply for a research scholarship.

Explore our research scholarships

Keywords

• circular economy
• community well-being
• sustainable consumption practices
• waste reduction
• gift economies

Contact

Contact the primary supervisor, Dr Madeline Taylor, for more information: madeline.taylor@qut.edu.au