Covid Currency, Make a Deal!

Current circumstances excluded, it has always been a dream of mine to live in a barter society. When you have an abundance of certain items on your homestead, think of it as currency.  Why not begin to share, donate and barter?

Bartering is extremely rewarding and one of my favorite things to do. It is liberating and free of economic constructs. Therefore, the opportunity to trade my homegrown food and handmade goods for services and products is a welcomed opportunity. I love that it is a mutually beneficial situation using literal fruits of one’s labor as currency. If you have not had the chance before, the coronavirus pandemic is certainly a time to start bartering.

My family has had some opportunities to do some bartering over the years, but since the coronavirus pandemic, there have been specific needs to fill that were challenging. Bartering was one solution. When we weren’t able to get some items for food prep, we had delicious and healthy meals delivered to our door in exchange for fresh eggs and herbs. We traded grapefruits, tangerines and garlic for handmade masks, which are legally required in public in our state as of now. And, most recently, I traded some fresh eggs and citrus for a rain barrel, something I have needed for a while. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to make these deals.

I support the barter philosophy for a few reasons. First, one benefits greatly by providing value. Members of a barter society are encouraged to offer up their expertise or skillset as currency. (I feel home-based businesses and entrepreneurship fit this criteria as well.) A barter society encourages productivity and fosters following one’s passion. I think we have all noticed our community getting very creative since the coronavirus pandemic. Many are starting new home-based businesses and even sharing their talents freely. New life is being breathed into talents and skills that laid dormant or were considered only hobbies before the novel coronavirus pandemic hit.

Additionally, a barter philosophy strengthens my deeply held belief that we are all part of a whole and each of us has something unique and of substance to contribute. What we offer to the world and leave behind is the prize. Setting aside a “me-first” attitude and focusing on growth as a community deepens the human connection and benefits society. Everbody wins!

This above all, has been the lesson I wish for my children: Leave each place better than we find it when we arrive, both physically and energetically. I realize it’s a bit cliché and these are idealistic notions; however, I am not suggesting we move to a full barter society. I simply enjoy any small implementaion of what, in my view, is a positive spin in today’s world.

So, What Can You Barter With?

Start by asking yourself some questions. What do I want and need? What do I have that others want and need? What are my skills and what do I have either in abundance or want to get rid of?

A pantry full of items you bought on sale in excess may be lacking in another household. Maybe you can offer tutoring to a fellow parent overwhelmed with homeschooling during the pandemic who continues to work just as before. Perhaps someone wants to learn a new language remotely? A pantry full of goods is just as valuable as produce from the garden. If you have a giant grapefruit tree and grapefruits aren’t your thing (speaking for myself here), there are a surprising amount of people who love them.

One Woman’s Trash is Another Woman’s Treasure

Another great area to focus on is items you wish to get rid of. Outgrown baby clothes, a pile of old scrap wood aka “vintage” planks, leftover tiles from a home improvement project or garden tools that you have doubles of are all great places to start.

Once you have identified a few needs, you will need to let people know what you are seeking and what you have to offer. Use social media, word of mouth, and neighborhood apps as they keep things local. The neighborhood apps usually have sections for bartering or where people offer free stuff. I have seen items placed for barter with the poster being open to ideas of exchange. Look in your closets, garage, shed, pantry, and gardens. Get creative!

I urge everyone to consider their legacy. What will we learn? What will we teach? How will we improve the earth during our time here? In the meantime, I encourage all of you to grow a Victory Garden, be well and love each other.