by Ben Gorman

Created on: April 09, 2007   Last Updated: April 19, 2007

Freecycle is an online community network for the free exchange of discards. In less than five years, it's grown from humble beginnings in Tucson, Arizona, in 2003, to a worldwide community of over 4.8 million members. Every day, thousands, if not millions, of items change hands among its membership, keeping those discards out of landfills while sparking smiles and making new friendships. And using it couldn't be simpler: just post a message (headed "OFFER:") on your local chapter's Yahoo Groups website, then sit back and wait for a response. Chances are good that whatever you're getting rid of SOMEone will want. You know the saying: "One man's trash is another man's treasure."

I first heard about Freecycle while living in a small town in rural Minnesota. Discovering it for myself was one of those "Aha!" moments that sticks out in memory. "That's a great idea!" I thought- and probably said, to no one in particular. I signed up immediately. The closest equivalent I can recall was when I first learned about eBay. Sure, it's easy to be jaded and cynical about eBay all these years later (I've been a member there since 1999), but it, too, seemed like a great idea: get rid of old junk and make a few bucks in the process. But if eBay is a garage sale, Freecycle is the next-door neighbor's driveway heap with a FREE sign on it.

The key to Freecycle is proximity: it's all about staying local. That's one reason why no money can change hands for Freecycle goods- you can't even spend the money to mail someone your item; they must pick it up for themselves. And the closer the two parties are, the better: driving takes a toll in greenhouse gas emissions- and we all know where that's leading us. So when you sign up for Freecycle, stay true to the spirit of the organization: look for the most local chapter available (or start your own!).

I've read how others' eyes widen with delight at the notion of signing up with several chapters so they can "get more free stuff"; but take a moment to remind yourself of Freecycle's mission statement. It begins, "Our mission is to build a worldwide gifting movement..." Carefully note that word, "gifting". Freecycle's introductory text makes it clear the founders wanted to emphasize GIVING and de-emphasize taking. From the Freecycle Rules & Etiquette, the description of acceptable posting subject lines says this about the WANTED heading: "Please use this sparingly." Nor is it meant as sheer inconvenience that, when you first sign up with a chapter,

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