Freecycle

I don’t remember where I first heard about Freecycle, but I do know that since my first time using it this week, I am hooked. To explain the concept, here is a quote from their website:

The Freecycle Networkâ„¢ is made up of many individual groups across the globe. It’s a grassroots movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. Membership is free.

The Freecycle Network was started in May 2003 to promote waste reduction in Tucson’s downtown and help save desert landscape from being taken over by landfills. The Network provides individuals and non-profits an electronic forum to "recycle" unwanted items. One person’s trash can truly be another’s treasure!

And to date, Freecycle has over 3,000 local communities, and over 1.6 million members worldwide. Each local community has it’s own Yahoo Group, and in order to receive access to the messages, you must first be approved by the moderator.

My local Miami group currently has several items up for grabs: Sofa & Love Seat, Toaster, Lamps, Magazines, Copy Machine, and a VCR. People also post things they are looking for.

My experience: I had an extra fan that I didn’t need and posted it. I received requests from at least 7 different people, with reasons mostly regarding broken air conditioners at work or home, from any number of people: pregnant, senior, corporate-type, etc. The fan was picked up within 24 hours by a very thankful person.

One of the members actually told me that although some might view it as a little compulsive, he keeps track of things that he gets for free, and then he donates the money he would have spent on that to charity!

So, before you throw something away or go out to buy something new, think about Freecycling instead!

Visit Freecycle.org