If you are in need, "freecycling" may be the option for you. In fact, there is actually an official organization (The Freecycle Network, or TFN) that bears this name.
Freecycling Defined
Freecycling is the act of recovering items to be thrown away for future use. Unofficially, freecycling is called "dumpster diving" when done in informal settings. Both freecycling as an action and as an organization has been created to prevent useful items from being thrown away.
The History of Freecycle Network
This organization was officially as a RISE, Inc. project in Tucson, Arizona about 2004. It was slow-going at first but then this company and concept grew to become a worldwide effort. The Freecycle just launched its website this year (2008).
However, since its launch it has expanded to mean much more than that. It is now a helpful service to those who want to recover perfectly good furniture and other household items that others throw away.Currently Freecycling Network is home to over 4,702,000 members from every continent. In all this organization has thousands of local chapters stationed around the globe. Local groups are moderated by a volunteer. Benefits of Freecycling
You can find quality household and personal items for far less money. Sometimes you can even obtain them for free-whether you join an official Freecycling organization or not. People have saved hundreds and even thousands of dollars per year by obtaining free items in this way.
Many people have avoiding going into debt as they prepared to start a family using Freecycling services. Instead they are not saving money instead of spending it. All in all everyone wins when they take advantage of this program, and environmental resources are preserved.
Where to Find Freecycling Chapter Location Information
This particular phenomenon has become a worldwide effort. Therefore, Freecycling organization locations are likely to be available relatively near you. You can visit this organization's official website and you can find local freecycling groups within your immediate area via Yahoo groups.
You can also browse your specific location within the Freecycle Network official website. There is a site serving persons in the U.S., UK, France, Germany, and many other countries of the world. Items Recovered from Freecycling
Besides furniture items, you also acquire items such as a piano, an old door, a fax machine, and other items still useful. Just about anything imaginable has been made available. Of course, there is no guarantee that you will find exactly what you are looking for. However, if you stay alert you will save money on many items you need.
How to Register
It is free to register for an online account. You can post items you want to give away as well as post for requests of items you need. Each local chapter or group may have its own specific requirements, such as your first posting must be an item that you are willing to give away that someone can use.
You can also become involved actively as a moderator in your local area. If you are, you will become a part of an organization that is working to make a difference. In doing so, you will be doing more than just helping yourself. You will be providing a great service to your community.
Similar groups to Freecycling
Since the founding of the first Freecycle Network, smaller organizations have been started. You can search for these with the word "freecycling" in your favorite web browser. You may also want to start up a group in your area if there is not one present.
Keep in mind that each group may have its different standards. Also, that you use various freecycling groups at your discretion while posting, contacting, and exchanging.
