The groups form part of Canberra's sharing economy, where instead of asking for payment, people give things away for free, or ask if items can be borrowed in the short term, like a power drill that may only be needed once, or a book that is taken from a little library at the local shops and replaced with one from home.

The Buy Nothing groups were brought into existence partly through the efforts of Greens candidate Tim Hollo, who says if he was to be elected as the member for Canberra, he would use the electorate office to support the sharing economy.

The plan would emulate a similar practice to that by Brisbane Greens Councillor Jonathan Sri, who Mr Hollo said has used his office to facilitate community group meetings as well as support groups with resources.

Mr Hollo has pledged that if he were to be elected he'd open up the office to be used by community groups that are part of the sharing economy for meetings, free Wi-Fi and photocopying.

He would also explore whether the electorate office could auspice events, taking on public liability insurance requirements and even buying equipment like PA systems or barbecues to help community groups hold events.

Mr Hollo believes government offers more support to businesses than to the not for profit and community sector, and that the plan could even protect against societal divisions.

"The other imperative is that in the face of climate change and the growth of hard right politics, I'm absolutely convinced one of the most important things we can do is build cohesive sharing communities," Mr Hollo said.

"It's really important for bringing people together. A community where people are actively sharing with each other is one where the hard right will find it difficult to get a toehold."

Community groups having access to stationery and photocopying at electorate offices was a standard practice for existing MPs, Mr Hollo said, but giving access to meeting spaces and offering equipment for events would take it a step further.

The Department of Finance is responsible for covering the activities of MPs' offices and entitlements, with Mr Hollo committing to work with the department to make sure his plans are within the rules.

While many equate the sharing economy with getting rid of stuff they don't want, Mr Hollo laughed off the suggestion the office could become home to any actual items traded as part of the groups - it would be for facilitating the groups, not a home for a hoarding tendency.

"I wouldn't say [people] should bring anything to my office I'd be suggesting people join the Buy Nothing groups and put them there first."