I wanted the items my daughter grows out of to have a meaningful second life. 'Buy Nothing' groups help me see they'll go to good use.

"During my childhood, my mom and her friends and family members saved a lot of money by passing on used baby gear and outgrown clothing. My daughter is an only child, and she doesn't have any older cousins or anyone else who passes things on to her. As a result, we have purchased most items new or in good used condition, and they often are still in great shape once we are done with them."

"Parting with my daughter's things is sometimes emotional. Since she is an only child and we won't be having any more kids, when clothing gets too small or she outgrows a toy, we never get to use them again. Even though they're just things, letting go of them feels like saying goodbye to that chapter of her life, as well."

Family members historically saved money by passing down baby gear and outgrown clothing. The daughter is an only child, so there are no relatives to pass items on to. Most items are purchased new or gently used and often remain in good condition after use. Selling items on marketplaces or consignments required significant time and yielded little return. Giving some clothing to a family friend reduced clutter but left many items in storage. Letting go of outgrown items can feel emotional. Donating to thrift shops is not always practical for worn but functional pieces. Buy Nothing groups connect items with local families who will use them.

Read at Business Insider