One Person's Trash...

A post by TBV comadre Tankwoman a while back, about clutter in her waterlogged basement, got me thinking that it might be a good thing to write a post about Freecycle. Chances are, a lot of readers are already Freecycle members. And, chances are also good that a lot are not. Having just moved most of the way across the country, I can testify to the fact that my life contains more than its share of clutter. Well, actually, a lot less now than there was six months ago. But we are all packrats, the huge growth of the "self-storage" industry proves that we all own far more than we have room for in our lives.

Freecycle is recycling at its best. Keeping things out of the landfills by passing along the stuff you don't need to someone who actively does need it:

When you want to find a new home for something -- whether it's a chair, a fax machine, piano, or an old door -- you simply send an e-mail offering it to members of the local Freecycle group.

Or, maybe you're looking to acquire something yourself. Simply respond to a member's offer, and you just might get it. After that, it's up to the giver to decide who receives the gift and to set up a pickup time for passing on the treasure.

Our main rule: Everything posted must be free, legal, and appropriate for all ages.

Non-profit organizations also benefit from The Freecycle Network. Post the item or items you want to give away and specify that you wish the gift to go to a nonprofit cause. It's entirely your choice! It's a free cycle of giving.

With over thirty-seven hundred Freecycle communities around the world, there's probably one where you live. And if there isn't one there yet, you could get one started! Check it out - your basement/attic/storage unit will thank you. You will be surprised by the amount and variety of stuff flowing like a river from one human being to another through this community. Even plants and landscaping materials are on offer: having left many herbs behind in my Delaware gardens, I'm in the process of becoming the recipient of plants from an Albuquerque resident's established and running-over herb garden.

Eventually you could empty out that storage unit and use the monthly fees for ice cream, or a State Park season's pass, or...beer.

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