City Newspaper Archives - 5/2007
RECYCLING: Give and get stuff and save the planet
Published by Dale Evans on May 08, 2007
Working for a small nonprofit recycling organization in Tuscon, Deron Beal often found it hard to find takers for the group's recyclables. In May 2003, he sent out an e-mail to friends and nonprofits, announcing the Freecycle Network. Through it, people could post lists of what they wanted to give away or request what they needed. There was and remains one rule: everything posted must be free, legal, and "appropriate for all ages."
In four years, Freecycle has grown into a global organization of more than 4000 communities and nearly 4 million members. The Rochester community includes more than 5000 members.
Freecycle isn't about exchanging goods; you give freely and you take freely, no strings attached. What is offered and asked for on Freecycle ranges from Popsicle sticks for crafts to diamond rings, from beds and bedding to video games. And some of the transactions have literally changed people's lives. One member has muscular dystrophy, and the electric scooter she got from a Freecycle member has greatly increased her mobility. Another member, wanting to make someone's Christmas a bit sweeter, offered her one-carat diamond ring from an ex-husband. She even offered to have it re-sized.
Freecycle's mission isn't focused on getting stuff for free, though. The mission statement is "to build a worldwide gifting movement that reduces waste, saves precious resources, and eases the burden on our landfills while enabling our members to benefit from the strength of a larger community."
More information's available at the organization's website.
Article Photos
Credit: Joe Bell
