Freecycle

[MissyLouWho?]

Anyone ever use Freecycle?  If you don't know what it is, it's a recycling website for giving and receiving free stuff.  If you have items with lots of life left in them but don't want them any longer, you list them on Freecycle and give them a new home.  If someone wants it, they email you.  If there's something you want, ask for it and maybe someone will email you telling you they have one with life left in it that they are no longer using.  It's designed to cut down the amount of things going into landfills.  Everything is free, no money ever changes hands.  And you can't get items and resell them.  It's against the rules.

I love it because I feel good cutting down on my clutter and gifting people with things they want.  You must exercise caution though, because these are strangers.  You never know who you are dealing with.  You can make arrangements to meet people in a public location (like a Walmart parking lot at noon) if you don't want them coming to your home to either pick up something you listed or something you answered their ad with.  I've even dropped things off to people in my area that don't drive. 

I also love it because it teaches my kids the power of helping people rather than throwing things away.  Also that just because they don't need it, doesn't mean it's useless.  They have gotten in the habit and when they clean their rooms they always have a pile to 'Freecycle'  for other kids that might like them . 

[eyeamdry]

Missy, yes I have used Freecycle quite a few times.  I think I even wrote about it on here one time.  I have asked for and gotten free and in excellent shape exercise equipment for one thing.  That's mostly what I've asked for but have given away many things we no longer need.  There is usually about 10 requests for anything you post that you're giving away.

I've been told the stuff on there is ugly, worn out and icky.  Well, that may be for some things, but I have an unused Gazelle exercise machine with the price tag still on it.  I don't think you can ask and get everything.  People ask for cars "anything that runs to get to work."  Well, I hope they get them, and they might.  I think there are probably people with a heart that might have an older car they'd give away.  I am 100% for recycle.  There can be no money asked or given.  Lucy

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

I've used Freecycle in the UK several times - so far for disposing of things. I'd much rather send something to somewhere it's wanted rather than throw it out as trash.

Take care - Scottie