Freecycling Is Catching On

Freecycling Is Catching On
Recycling Can help You Stretch Your Budget

When was the last time you threw away a used but perfectly good piece of furniture, child's toy or kitchen item because you just didn't need it cluttering up your house? Did you wish you could find someone to give it to? Well, the Internet has come to your rescue.

A site called Freecycle - gives a new spin to recycling.

Freecycle was originally set up in Tuscon, Arizona in May 2003 as part of a larger organization focused on recycling.

"Freecycle is a project of RISE, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission includes reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and fostering cooperation between other nonprofit organizations and the public." The project is so popular, that in a year later they have grown to nearly 400,000 people registered in 1210 cities around the world.

What is freecycling?

According to their website, "It's a grassroots movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. Each local group is run by a local volunteer moderator (them's good people). Membership is free." The way it works is simple. You register and post the items you want to give away... or that you want someone to give to you. The people in your area read the post and email you. Someone comes to pick up that dresser, fax machine or hot wheel that you don't want. There is no money exchanged and no swap -- this is gifting not trading.

A woman in New Jersey found the site when her local paper ran an article about it. The 10 gallon fish tank sitting in her spare room taking up space seemed like a good item to add. A short time later someone from her area left with the fish tank and good feelings about the community. She also posted that she was interested in getting some kitchen cabinets. Another local resident, in the process of redoing her kitchen, is giving away the old, but very attractive cabinets she's replacing.

Freecycling has spread around the world. In addition to the US groups, there are members in Australia, Germany, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, the UK and many other countries.

Does this sound like something you'd like to learn more about? If it does just surf over to their website. Instead of putting a useable item into the trash, give it a new home and see how good it makes you feel!

also see in Cyber Culture -> : Freecycling