Freecycle: adventures and misadventures

It seems like a great idea.

"Freecycle" is an email list that allows you to give and receive items for free, that might otherwise end up in landfills.It is about giving away something that has no use in our life anymore to someone who could extend its usefulness a little longer. It is about giving gifts to people while clearing out our own clutter. It is about creating, building, and sustaining an environmentally aware community.

I first learned about Freecycle years ago when I read about "The Compact" movement, where people pledge to not buy anything new for a full year. Everyone has their own version of "The Compact," of course. There are obvious and not-so-obvious exceptions to the guidelines. Usually, exceptions include food, medication, underwear, and consumable items like soap. Others may agree that it's OK to purchase fresh flowers, items made by local artisans, or items sold by charity organizations. On the other end of the spectrum you'll find people who want to find substitutes for toilet paper, make their own socks and underwear out of recycled clothing, and so on. 


Overall, however, the idea is to stay away from buying unnecessary things at retailers and big-box stores. Instead, they suggest obtaining recycled or previously owned goods. 


It sounds simple, doesn't it? Then again, this is America. Somehow in the past few years, it's come to be seen as our patriotic duty to shop for the sake of the economy. We are expected to go out and spend our hard-earned money on fashions, furnishings and electronic devices. This is not how I wanted to live my life. 


In reading about The Compact, and trying to decide if I felt compelled to do something like that, I stumbled on a local Freecycle group. It has been an interesting ride, but I have stuck with it over the past four years and I would like to think I'm making some kind of impact on the environment, which was my original purpose, after all. 

I'm always surprised by the number of things that are offered (and wanted) on Freecycle. I have seen vehicles offered; I've seen hot tubs and other big-ticket items that you definitely would not expect to find for "free." It's proof of the old adage that "One man's trash is another man's treasure." Freecycle guidelines stipulate that you shouldn't use the list to get rid of junk that would be better off in the landfill, so it seems evident that people would offer primarily good, serviceable and mostly working items. (Unless they are offering an item specifically to be used for parts).

And for the most part, I've seen this happen over and over again on Freecycle. I've participated in three different lists, and moderate one of them. Most times, people offer good stuff that they simply no longer want or need.

I am sometimes amazed, however, at the stipulations that people put on things that they want. Whether they are posting an original "wanted" message or if they are responding to an offer, it can be surprising how much people want for free. Does the car you're offering have automatic windows? What color of blue is the blue dresser I saw listed last week? I want a hot tub, but it has to fit at least four people. Does anyone have a huge box of baby clothes for my four-month old daughter, they must be pink and they must come from a non-smoking home.

One girl would try to claim anything baby related that you offered. She would also post several "wanteds" in the same day or week, for baby this or that: Videos. Bottles. Pacifiers. Pregnancy tests. (Has she ever heard of the library? A dollar store? Birth control?) Long hardship stories (which are discouraged on The Freecycle Network) accompanied most of these posts. I later learned that things I--and others--had given her were being offered for sale on Craigslist.

It doesn't take long for the list members to figure out these people. They normally get dropped to the bottom of everyone's "give-to list."

More often, however, there are the grateful people. The ones you meet later on and tell you how the freecycled item is being re-used. Someone puts a thank you note in place of the cell phone you left on your front porch for her. There was even a lady who left me a peacock feather as a gesture of appreciation.

All in all, it's a good thing. I have gotten rid of many things that were cluttering up my house, and I have given new life to stuff that would have otherwise gone to the landfill. I've even accepted a few very serviceable items that might have otherwise been trashed. And all for free!

If you are interested in learning about Freecycle, you can visit www.freecycle.org and ask it to direct you to a group near you. It may not be your cup of tea, but then again, it may be a first step to simplifying your life.

Marsha
who hung sheets and towels on the line today!