Freecycle
What?
In short, freecycling is the movement of goods from person to person for free. Any item that is no longer needed by someone can be put to good use by another, and The Freecycle Network intends to make the connection. From freecycle.org:
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!
Getting Involved
In a few short years, literally thousands of Freecycle communities across many nations and continents have accrued over two million members. The Network's central site at freecycle.org serves as database of said communities, and potential members can search for a community near them.
I personally belong to a couple local (to me) communities:
- Springfield, Illinois Freecycle Network
- A Yahoo Group for Springfield, IL. Membership must be approved, but it is
easy to join; along with your approval request, send your first name,
zip code, and my Yahoo ID: f0rked2k, letting them know I referred
you.
- Champaign-Urbana, IL Freecycle Network
- Also a Yahoo Group, for the Champaign-Urbana, IL area. Membership is open and does not require approval.
To learn more, visit freecycle.org and read the FAQ and look for a group near you.
Help Spread the Word
Encourage your peers to support the freecycling effort. After all, it is an excellent way to get rid of junk and get good stuff for free. Feel free to link to:
http://f0rked.com/freecycle