Freecycling for the Planet’s Future

The Freecycle Network™ (TFN) comprises   5,072 groups with 9,133,693 global members. It is a non-profit organization registered in the U.S. and separately in the U.K. The network was born on May 1^st, 2003 when Tucson resident Deron Beal sent an email to 40 friends and a few non-profits in his local area. In the email he announced and outlined TFN. Its mission is to promote a worldwide network of gifting unwanted items to divert recyclable and reusable goods from landfills. With the help on the internet, by 2008, TFN had grown globally, spreading to 85 countries. 

 

How Freecycle Works

Today, each individual Freecycle group exists as a Yahoo! Group or one of TFN’s MyFreecycle groups, which are run by their own moderators. TFN is always keen to promote the creation of new groups. Once approved by TFN, groups are permitted to use the network’s name and logo and must conform to the rules of the regional Group Outreach Assistance.

You can join your local Freecycle Group my sending an email requesting to join and stating the area in which you live. If you have one or more items to offer you simply email and offer post listing the details. Anyone who wishes to collect the items form you will email. Members usually work on a first-come-first served basis. Similarly, if you are searching for an item you simply post a request.

 

 What to Freecycle

You can Freecycle pretty much anything that is in working order or decent condition. Electrical goods and large furniture are always needed, and they are often posted by people who are moving house and no longer have room for these items. Children’s play equipment is another popular item for exchange. As your child grows its good to know that you are enabling another child to benefit from your unwanted items. Clothing is always a hit on Freecycle, if you’ve lost some weight or your children have grown out of their clothes, it makes sense to let someone else make use of them instead of gumming up the landfills. Other basic recyclables are also often posted, such as canning jars, bottles and cartons, useful for cooks, wine makers and gardeners.

 

Freecycling Etiquette

There are certain accepted rules throughout the Freecycle Network. Here’s a rundown:

 

·     Any item placed on offer must be legal, safe to use and appropriate for all age groups.

·      You must not offer money for any item being given.

·      All posts should be clear and simple to read.

·     All items should be described in detail. It helps if you can post pictures of items you are offering.

·     Non-Freecycling topics must not be discussed.

·     You can post a curb alert if you see that someone has put items out for garbage collection, which may be of use for someone.

·     Some groups permit posting pets while others prefer not to.

·    Like any other internet group, remember that participation is at your own risk.

 

 

Corinna Underwood is a freelance writer who specializes in sustainable living, the environment and Chain of Title Searches.