Six months ago I discovered my Internet version of Shangri-La. That place is freecycle. Freecycle is such a simple concept. If you have stuff you no longer need, you give it away to those who have need of it. Freecycle's rather grandiose claim of, "changing the world one gift at a time" is a bold one however, broadly speaking it is also accurate. The Freecycle Network was originally started in May 2003 to promote waste reduction in Tucson's downtown and help save desert landscape from being taken over by landfills. As the idea became more popular sites were set up across America and there are now sites all around the world. This certainly proves the organisations theory that, "one man's trash is another man's treasure".
Joining a freecycle group near you is incredibly straightforward. From the main site you navigate to the Country you live via the menu on the left and then find your county from the list presented. Within each county is a number of groups in more local areas and clicking on one of these allows you to join. Joining is a simple matter of filling in an online email registration form and replying to the confirmation email. You are then sent instructions on how to access the group and the terms and conditions of freecycling. Do not think you are limited to one group either. I live in an area central to Liverpool, Wigan and Southport so have joined all three groups. This means I have access to more free stuff! And if there is not a group local for you then you can always start your own.
The groups that I have joined are all run by the yahoogroups system. This means that each group has access to a yahoogroups webpage that acts as a gateway for members emails. These emails are shared with all the members of the group and are the way in which free stuff is shared. You simply post the item up that you want to get rid of and members then have access to that offer and email you offering to take it off your hands. For example, I have posted a, "OFFERED: Rabbit Hutch" email and received several replies offering to collect. It was gone within the same day after I replied to a member to collect. Of course, this can lead to disappointment for the members who miss out so it is always polite to reply telling them the item has been taken.
Once you have offered something to the group you are then able to post "WANTED" ads. I have found this a great way to get the stuff that I need, but do not want to pay for. Recent examples of this include a folding table with four chairs and a laptop! However, before people join asking for a Sony Vaio you have to remember that the things offered are things people no longer want. Be realistic about the things you want for nothing. I asked for a basic, working laptop to word process on and have received plenty of replies my dad has asked for a boat and is still waiting (I kid you not, a boat!). He might get a reply for a dinghy with a hole in it!
You see freecycle is a site were you truly get something for nothing but the items given away can be varying in quality. I would suggest asking plenty of questions before collection to ensure that the item offered is one you really want. Members are forthcoming and honest as they have nothing to gain but an empty space were their wardrobe used. Certainly, when I post an offer it I try to be completely honest, if your table is marked and battered, say so. Someone may want them for a party and not care if they are wrecked. A quick word of warning for those of you planning to acquire a range of items to sell on via eBay. Freecycle frowns on it and you will have your account deleted. You are getting something for nothing people. Do not abuse the system.
The yahoogroup system is an excellent way of communicating via freecycle although each group has slightly different ways of working. All the groups have the option to receive the emails from members instantly or in the form of a daily digest that gives all the offers for that day. However, remembering that items are usual taken on a "first email, first served" basis, the instant reply option is preferable to everyone but the most patient member. There are differences in how quickly messages are posted in each group due to different approaches from the group moderators. For example, the Liverpool group may allow posts first with editing by moderators as necessary whereas the Southport group has all posts vetted by the moderator before posting to the group. I prefer the latter system as the moderator can point out mistakes and check the suitability of posts negating any spamming attempts. This does mean your messages take a little longer to filter through but it makes the system more efficient and the experience more pleasant.
Of course, as with any Internet site in which you are sharing information such as email, home addresses and telephone numbers there is a risk involved. However, as long as you only share information with those who have said they will collect (rather than instantly giving information out to someone just showing interest), you should be fine. I tend not to invite people into the house but rather bring the item out to them to their car which is maybe me being over cautious but has stood me in good stead thus far. A handshake and a thank you on the forum and the deal is done. There is also the option to post items with both parties consent but I cannot see an occurrence were this would be necessary.
As you can see I am a bit of a freecycle addict. It is a rare thing to get something you want for nothing and although the items offered are variable in terms of quality you can often find your very own treasure and you are helping the environment to boot. So go on then, get freecycling!
N.B: Information on the sites history taken from www.freecycle.org/
Oh yeah, memebership is free!