How Cool is This? Freecycle!

This is one of the links on Yahoo's Earthday site.  What a great idea.  To join or for more information go to www.freecycle.org.

The Freecycle NetworkTM is made up of many individual groups across the globe. It's a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. Each local group is moderated by a local volunteer (them's good people). Membership is free. To sign up, find your community by clicking on the region on the left. You may then go directly to your local group by clicking on "Go To" or you may immediately joining by clicking on "Join." It will generate an automatic e-mail which, when sent, will sign you up for the local group and send you a response with instructions on how it works. Can't find a group near you? You might want to consider starting one (click on "Start a Group" for instructions). Have fun!

The Freecycle Network was started in May 2003 to promote waste reduction in Tucson's downtown and help save desert landscape from being taken over by landfills. The Network provides individuals and non-profits an electronic forum to "recycle" unwanted items. One person's trash can truly be another's treasure!

How does it work?

When you want to find a new home for something -- whether it's a chair, a fax machine, piano, or an old door -- you simply send an e-mail offering it to members of the local Freecycle group.

Or, maybe you're looking to acquire something yourself. Simply respond to a member's offer, and you just might get it. After that, it's up to the giver to decide who receives the gift and to set up a pickup time for passing on the treasure.

Our main rule: Everything posted must be free, legal, and appropriate for all ages.

Non-profit organizations also benefit from The Freecycle Network. Post the item or items you want to give away and specify that you wish the gift to go to a nonprofit cause. It's entirely your choice! It's a free cycle of giving. The Freecycle Network is incorporated as a nonprofit organization and is tax-exempt under the IRS 501(c)3 ruling.

Who can use The Freecycle Network?

Think globally, recycle locally. The Freecycle Network is open to all communities and to all individuals who want to participate. Freecycle groups are moderated by local volunteers from across the globe who facilitate each local group - grassroots at its best!

 

17 Comments on How Cool is This? Freecycle!

I have been active in Freecycle for a couple of years. I have recycled several items and also picked up a couple. What a great deal and it keeps stuff from ending up in the dump!

04/18/2007 08:20 PM by Gary Waters - Real Estate Agent Viera Suntree (Century 21 Baytree Realty www.moving2brevard.com)


Terry,

It seems very interesting , I will check that,   craiglist has a section of that too.

thanks for sharing that :)

 

04/18/2007 08:24 PM by Aurora Colorado Real Estate Ray Saenz, Colorado Realtor (United Property Brokers, INC)


I think this is a great idea.  I already have some freecyle items ready to go!

04/18/2007 08:30 PM by Joan Whitebook, ABR, e-Pro, CEBA (Buyer's Option Realty Services)


I like the New Stuff on the NET I will have to check it out. Thanks for Posting.

04/18/2007 08:39 PM by Downtown Portland Real Estate Broker~Herb Hamilton (RE/MAX Preferred Inc. Realtors)


Freecycle is fantastic!  I picked up some discount coupons a few weeks ago and saved a bundle on some staging inventory at Linens n Things!  It's such a good way to pass on things that others can use....thanks for making us all aware of it.

04/18/2007 08:48 PM by Maureen Bray ~ Room Solutions Staging, Portland OR (Room Solutions ~ Staging that Sells Homes!)


Terry,

Never even thought about Freecycle, way to think outside the box and present valid information to your customers.

04/18/2007 09:54 PM by Gary Smith, RealtorĀ® (The Michigan Group - Livingston)


Hi Terry,

What a concept!  I'm definitely going to be looking into this - Thank You!

VAL

04/18/2007 10:05 PM by Val Allocco,HSE; Chapter President ASHSR Owner of Staged 2 Sell NY 516-982-2671 (Staged 2 Sell NY)


We have been using freecycle for a while, even here in Summit County!  It seems to be everywhere.  My sister, who lives in Sedona, AZ has it available there too.  It is a great way to reuse items instead of taking them to the landfill. 

04/19/2007 12:02 AM by Summit County, Colorado Realtor l Joanne Hanson (Coldwell Banker Colorado Rockies Real Estate)


Some of my favorite and most interesting pieces have come from Freecycle, but I find it really takes time to find the deals....just like any other style of "shopping".  Nonetheless, I love the concept, which fits so beautifully with my "green" outlook on life and business!

Truth be told, I do more outbound Freecycle than I do inbound these days. 

04/19/2007 11:35 AM by Jaynee Acevedo, Capital Style Home Staging (Capital Style Home Staging)


I have tried this soooo many times.  Is it like the lotto?  I never win!  Terry, maybe we can talk later as how to do this!  I need to know what I'm doing wrong!

04/19/2007 12:10 PM by Marci Toliver, Anderson, SC/ Spartanburg/Greenville SC/ Home Staging (Fresh Eye Designs)


Marci:  For what it's worth....

When you're really looking for "stuff" - and I say this because you NEVER know what people will offer - subscribe to the message-by-message style of delivery rather than the grouped, daily digest.  That way, you'll get an email hit for every item offered, as often as the Freecycle system refreshes, and can be one of the first to respond. 

Then, be enthusiastic in your response, like "OOOOOHhhh, Pick me! Pick me!", or "I'll be using this to help feed handicapped senior citizens in the remote corners of Ghana".  Or be funny, or cute, or.....whatever.  Just be compelling in your own way!  It works!! 

04/19/2007 12:19 PM by Jaynee Acevedo, Capital Style Home Staging (Capital Style Home Staging)


Very cool, I will look into it.  Thanks Teri for Sharing, a very useful tip to pass on our clients.

Joelle Green

04/19/2007 01:35 PM by Joelle Green- Joelle & Company Designs (Joelle & Company Designs)


Jaynee - thanks for letting us know how to get the attention of the person passing items along.  I registered in my town last night and will start looking at it as soon as I can get off AR :-)

Everyone else - Thanks for commenting!

Terry

04/19/2007 02:28 PM by Terry Haugen STAGE it RIGHT! 321-956-2495 (Stage it Right!)


I've bookmarked the Freecycle site so I can go back to check it out later. Thanks for a good link.

04/19/2007 05:57 PM by John Cilladi, REALTOR, EcoBroker, e-PRO (Keller Williams Real Estate)


Oh fun, we have a Habitat for Humanity ReStore in town and I love shopping there. My family & I help tear down houses for them & recycle whatever we can from the houses for the store.

04/19/2007 09:50 PM by Kathleen Lordbock (Re$ale Design) ~Minnesota Home Stager~ (Re$ale Design & Home Staging)


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