Never heard of freecycling? You’re not alone. Freecycling is a recent trend that takes garage sale-ing to the next level. Freecyclers use internet groups to get rid of their unwanted goods and pick up new things, all for free. Currently over one million members in over 50 countries around the world participate in freecycling.
The original Freecycle Network formed in Tucson, Arizona in May 2003 to promote waste reduction and help save the desert landscape from being taken over by landfills. The concept of environmental protection, paired with free stuff, took off and local groups can now be found in almost 3,000 communities around the world. Local groups are run by a volunteer moderator and membership is free and open to individuals and non-profit organizations.
Participating in a freecycle network is simple. The easiest way to join a group is to visit www.freecycle.org and locate a Freecycle Network-affiliated program in your community. If no program exists in your area, check for listings in community newspapers and publications, thrift stores and health food stores. You may find a fledgling network just forming in your community. Still no luck? Consider starting your own!
Once you join a freecycling group, take some time to see how things are done. Log on to the group’s website and get a feel for how listings are posted to the site. Some groups have restrictions on what you can and cannot post, but most simply require that all items 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, it’s almost guaranteed that someone else can put it to good use.
If see something you’d like to have, send an email response to the member's offer. Depending on the number of members in the group, the giver will probably receive lots of requests. The giver alone decides who gets the item, so it’s helpful to explain why you’d like the item in your email. Don’t get too crazy – the giver doesn’t need to know your life story. Explain your situation in simple terms – like, “I’m a single mom who just moved here after my divorce and I would love to pick up your washing machine tonight. I would really appreciate not having to squeeze in time to go to the laundromat after work.”
If you’re chosen as the lucky recipient, you’ll need to arrange a pick-up time for passing on the treasure. If the item is small and not too valuable, the giver may offer to leave it on his/her front porch for pick-up at any time. Bigger ticket items may require more coordination, especially if you’ll need help moving your prize. Try to be as flexible as possible when making arrangements with the giver – after all, you’re getting the item for free!
Your local network may also allow wanted posts. If you’re looking for something specific, like a 10 gallon aquarium, check with freecycle first. If you see one already listed, great. But if not, post a message describing what you’re looking for. Odds are good that someone has one sitting in their basement collecting dust. While each individual network may have slightly different restrictions, most are run similarly. Be sure to check the restrictions before posting an item or responding to an offer – don’t getting kicked out of the group because you don’t know the rules!
Freecycling can get competitive. After all, who wouldn’t jump on the chance for a free sofa, TV, computer or other piece of usually expensive merchandise? You won’t get every item you request, but chances are, you’ll be able to score a great deal on something you really need. As an added bonus, you’re helping to protect the environment by reducing landfill waste. So hurry up and get started – who knows what bargain is out there waiting for you?
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