Freecycle

[poliphilo]

We signed up for Freecycle earlier this year. It's a great idea- a whole underground economy in which people with things they don't want anymore link up with people prepared to give those things a good home. And the great thing is no money changes hands. The banks know nothing of these transactions and neither does that nice Mr Darling at the Treasury. 

And of course it's all terribly green.

The first thing we acquired was a pair of speakers- not wonderful, state of the art speakers- but perfectly good enough to be plugged into my computer. Since then we've acquired a decent chest of drawers, a battered dressing table with mirror, and a big, floppy, stuffed toy with Oktober Bierfest blazoned across its chest. 

I've lost track of all the stuff we've off-loaded. Out of sight out of mind. Most recently we handed over some surplus telephones to a woman whose phone had gone on the blink. She was very grateful. And we came away feeling like Good King Wenceslas and his page.

Comments

[fickleasever.livejournal.com]

I also signed up for it a few months ago, but haven't used it yet. Might have to soon as, unless my sister wants it, we'll have a table to get rid of. I've also got other stuff gathering in a box, but some might end up as Christmas presents.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

It seems like there are takers out there for almost anything.

[mummm.livejournal.com]

That sounds like a great idea!

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I believe it's an idea that started in the States. There's quite probably a scheme running in your area too.

[mummm.livejournal.com]

Really? I'll have to investigate!

[huskyteer.livejournal.com]

Oh, it's great! I have gained a hi-fi and got rid of a load of unwanted items. One young man brought me a bottle of wine in exchange for a grubby motorcycle jacket.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

That's splendid. We've never yet been given anything in return.

[clindau.livejournal.com]

Freecycle is the best! So far I've used it mostly to get rid of stuff--the few times I had something to offer, nobody was interested. Still, it's very useful, and I love feeling, as you do, like Good King Wenceslas and his page.

[lily.livejournal.com]

We have been using freecycle for a year or two now. We have gotten free things from it and we have given away things for free as well. I think it's better to re-use things than to just buy things and then just to throw them away when they are not useful anymore to just add up to clatter. It's also a nice way to be of help to others. As the saying goes "another man's thrash might be another's treasure". I think Freecycle is a good idea overall. It minimizes waste.

Lili

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

It's yet another reason for being grateful for the internet.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I hate to throw things away. And with Freecycle I don't have to.

Every item I hand on or receive from someone else is one less item in the landfill site.

[lily.livejournal.com]

Agreed.

Lili

[glassgirl7.livejournal.com]

We adore Freecycle and use it all the time! Mostly we give stuff away, but we also have gotten some fabulous stuff. I'm glad you have discovered it!