Currently over one million members in almost 3,000 communities world
wide are sharing their unwanted goods. The catalyst that facilitates
all the getting and giving of unwanted items is an organization called
Freecycle. It's a grassroots movement of people who give stuff for free
in their own towns. Each local group is run by a local volunteer
moderator. All of the trading is done online. Member****p is free.
Freecycle is open to individuals and non-profit organizations.
The Freecycle Network was originally started in Tucson to promote waste
reduction and help save desert landscape from being taken over by
landfills. That was in May 2003. This world wide phenomenon has spread
throughout the globe.
The process is quite simple. Go to www.freecycle.org and find a group
near you. If there's not one in close proximity, consider starting
one yourself. Then when you want to find a new home for something you
just send an e-mail offering it to members of your Freecycle group.
Some groups have restrictions on what you can and cannot post, however
most limitations are simply that it needs to be completely free, legal
and appropriate for all ages. It doesn't matter what you have to
offer; computer parts, couch, clothing, an old window, broken car,
perfume, etc. If you have it and it's unwanted, almost guaranteed,
someone else can put it to good use.
If something is posted that you're interested in obtaining, all you
need to do is respond to the member's offer. It's up to the giver to
decide who receives the gift and to set up a pickup time for passing on
the treasure. Sometimes it's as simple as "I'll leave it on the
front ****ch of 123Main St., come by anytime."
Many local networks also allow WANTED: posts. If you're looking for a
10 gallon aquarium, check with Freecycle first. Odds are great someone
may have one sitting in their basement collecting dust. While each
individual network may have slightly different restrictions, most are
run similarly. There are generally four types of posts and these words
must appear in the subject line of your email: Wanted: xxx, Offer: xxx,
Taken: xxx or Found: xxx.
It is generally recommended to elaborate a bit on your emails as to why
you are in need of something or why you are interested in picking up
the item. Please save your entire life story for another forum, but
responses like "I'm interested" will likely get deleted. Whereas
something like: "I'm a single mom who just moved here after my
divorce. I would love to pick up your wash machine tonight. I would
greatly appreciate not having to squeeze in time to go to the laundry
mat after work." will likely get consideration. Just be sincere -
don't make up a woeful story in hopes to get something. The intent of
Freecycle is to help others by giving and getting. It's a great, fun
organization and it's certainly a frugal way to go!
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