Reuse, Reduce, FREEcycle

Freecycle is a not-for-profit network of grassroots groups whose goal is to keep usable items out of landfills by passing them onto (or receiving them from) others in your community. I've found it to be a great resource for getting rid of unwanted, but still usable stuff. True, my first choice is usually a local charity, but charities can't or won't take everything - particularly large furniture and appliances.

To use Freecycle, head over to their site and search to see if there’s a group in your area. With over 5,000 groups worldwide, chances are there is one!

Once you find and join your local Freecycle group, you can post messages offering (or asking for items). When you offer an item, other Freecyclers respond to your post – usually telling you why they want or need what you have to offer. (See the sample below.) You choose who gets your item, and arrange for a pick up date and time. Most of the time, you just leave the item in a bag or box somewhere outside your home.



Sample of Freecycle Posts

One of the best things about Freecycle is that it is the Takers responsibility to move heavy stuff. (It’s always nice to state in your post when someone’s going to need extra manpower.) For example our old entertainment center was beautiful, but became obsolete once we got a flat screen T.V. The thing weighed a ton and we had no idea how we were going to move it out of the house. The Freecycler who took the entertainment center brought a truck and 3 teenagers to move it. We were happy that it was out of our house and they were thrilled to have an entertainment center for their son’s room – a definite win-win!

I have been using Freecycle for over three years and have never had a bad experience. Most people pick up when they say they’re going to and often send a ‘thank you’ email. Of course, you should use common sense when it comes to safety. Anytime a pick-up has involved a person entering our home, I’ve always made sure someone else is home with me.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that we’ve scored some pretty great stuff on Freecycle as well, including never-opened stainless steel silverware, in-line skates - complete with a set of pads and… the drum roll please… a trampoline! (After all, what’s a better example of simple than getting stuff for free?)

My Kids Enjoying our Free Trampoline!