Get new stuff and shed the old

Posted on | January 18, 2009 | No Comments

Wouldn’t it be great if there were an easy way to give your unwanted but perfectly good stuff to someone who needed it? And a way to get stuff that’s perfect for you but doesn’t work for your neighbors any more?

There is, and it’s called Freecycle. It’s a great way to work with your neighbors to save money and save the environment by recycling within the community.

The Florida Keys Freecycle group has more than 900 members, plus some Upper Keys residents participate in the Homestead or Miami groups.  To participate, go to www.freecycle.org and pick the group you want to join. Once your membership has been approved, you’ll receive an e-mail with instructions. Read through the rules and then offer items you’d like to give away and watch the postings for items you’d like to receive.

In eight months on Freecycle, I’ve found it’s easier to give than to receive. You have to move fast when someone posts a desirable item, and you have to be able to pick it up quickly. But I found Freecycle an excellent way to find new owners for furniture, cleaning products, nonperishable food and other items I wanted to shed when I moved to another house. In return, I’ve received a colorful Brazilian painting, the best lamp in my house and a full set of Crate & Barrel white dishes, plus some extra pieces.

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