Italy to have a barter street market. Money not allowed!
In the midst of economic uncertainty Italy has an inspired idea! Create a street market where goods are exchanged rather than sold. The market will provide exchanges between hard goods, skills or knowledge services.
An excerpt from an article in La Stampa newspaper (translation by Mark Vanderbeeken, Experientia):
“Our market is not a real market,” explains Filippo Dionisio, President of ManaMana’ – in the sense that money is banned. We want to go beyond the commercial concept of barter, which is often seen as a precursor to money, and to affirm instead the value of exchange, where such exchange can also be immaterial and cover connections and relationships between people.” That’s why the “SenzaMoneta” event should be seen first of all as a meeting between people, where goods, products and also knowledge can be exchanged without any money passing hands, thereby also limiting any possible waste.”
Online organizations such as freecycle offer similar services, but the transactions are always anonymous. Chicago had hosted the Big Swap Bonanza last year, but as yet, no news of it happening this year.
I would think something like this would be a fun event for a summer day in Chicago. What do you think Mayor Daley?
Via: CORE77
Market Website with a great picture gallery. The smiles of delight and the variety of unusual finds are fun to see.
I love this idea! And the Italians would have so much fun negotiating I’d want to get it all on camera – and then barter it!