These groups are usually set up by a number of consumers who cooperate in order to buy food and other commonly used goods directly from producers or from big retailers at a price that is fair to both parties.
These guidelines lead to the choice of local products (to minimize the environmental impact of the transport), fair-trade goods (to respect disadvantaged producers by promoting their human rights, in particular, those of women, children and indigenous people) and reusable or eco-compatible goods (to promote a sustainable lifestyle).
Each individual group has its own specific motivations, but most groups are rooted in a critical approach to the global economic model and consumer lifestyle; individuals who feel the unfairness in this model and are searching for a practical alternative can find reciprocal aid and advice by joining solidal buying groups.
Often, when a group of friends develop a tendency toward a less consumerist way of life, the idea of undertaking shared purchasing initiatives comes naturally.
When the idea begins to develop into something more tangible, a fair amount of effort is needed in order to find local producers that meet the solidarity criteria; the final step is to establish an internal structure in the group in order to collect orders and redistribute the products.