Freecycling

We are all trying to do our part in the on-going battle with our conscience. I don’t know about you, but every purchase I make, no matter how big or small, I agonize over packaging, fuel-waste and that whatever I am replacing is landfill-bound.

Certainly takes the enjoyment out of shopping, doesn’t it?

As a lover of all things new (new to me, that is) I am plagued by all the things that I have carelessly thrown away. However, I am redeeming myself through Freecycling.

Freecycling is simply giving away the things you don’t need or want to someone who does, and it is obtaining goods you need that someone else doesn’t. It’s a brilliant concept, really. Have an old FIDO cell phone charger, but a Bell Mobility phone? Freecycle it. Have the 1960’s wood panelling from your basement in good condition? Freecycle it. Or, if you are a collector of vintage goods, place an ad – surely there’s someone looking to get rid of what you want.

It’s local, it’s responsible, and best of all, it’s free.

The currency is goodwill and there’s plenty of it. I recently placed an ad for some children’s toys. The woman who picked them up – right off my porch was so grateful, she even left me a handwritten note to thank me. And it took so little effort.

What you do

Visit www.Freecycle.org and enter in your city to find a group near you. (You may have to enter in the largest city you live near if you are outside Toronto). Once your city is found, visit the page and the posts. To post and to receive posts, you’ll have to sign up for a Yahoo account and apply for membership to the Freecycle group (follow the prompts). From that point on, you’re connected! You can post, answer posts and make arrangements to have your goods picked up at your door.

Things to consider

• The group is moderated, meaning that posts are free, legal and appropriate for all ages.

• On your posts, you must include in the subject line whether the item is an offer, wanted, taken or received. This is so posts can be easily viewed.

• No politics, no spam, no money, no personal attacks / rudeness, no proselytizing / religion. • No trading – all Freecycle items are ‘no strings attached’.

• Responses only go to offeror to cut down on the volume of emails

• No offering yourself or your children – use a dating site instead!

• Be nice! Be polite and pick up your items within 3 days.

Before your next move, consider becoming a member of your local Freecycle group. What a great way to foster goodwill in your community, to pass along things you don’t want to someone who genuinely needs them, and do some good for the planet.

Not only will the earth thank you for it, but you might just find a new home for your bust of Elvis.

Sarah Allworth is a marketing consultant for homebuilders and a real estate representative with Martin & Meredith Ltd. For more information or to contact her, visit www.sarahallworth.com or email sarah@sarahallworth.com