Freecycle.org
Freecycle gives its members the opportunity to offer used items, normally thrown in the landfill, to other members in the community. Freecycle is an international organization sectioned into groups of local communities. Membership to Freecycle is free for any person who wishes to make a difference in their community and keep unwanted items out of the landfill.
The members join the community closest to them and post "Wanted" or "Offer" ads on the website. The items wanted can include anything from musical instruments to clothes. People are able to offer anything from extra garden produce to pots and pans.
There are rules to posting and regulations about what can be offered or asked for by the members. Spamming of the website is not tolerated and will result in the member's account being terminated.
Freecycle offers people the opportunity to create a group for their local community by applying to the organization. The moderator is taught what the requirements are for posting and also given a guide to help set up the group. The moderator of the local chapter oversees the group to maintain the guidelines set forth by Freecycle.org. The moderator has the ability to edit any posts which do not conform to the submission guidelines.
The freecycle website is not designed to replace a trash service. The items must be in good condition or able to be repaired with minimal expense. In the event an item is not picked up in a reasonable amount of time, the person offering the item has the right to post the item back onto the message board for any of the other members.
Fast Facts:
- Also known as "TFN" or "Freecycle.org"
- Local chapters: 4,793
- Members: 7.2 million and growing
- Each local group has a Yahoo! Groups mailing
Motto:
"Changing the world one gift at a time."
Background
The Freecycle Network was formed originally as part of a non-profit project to clean up waste in Tuscon, Arizona. The first email groups were started by the group founder, Deron Beal. The Freecycle Network has grown from the original 30 or so members to well over 7 million since 2003.
The organization boasts it is keeping 500 tons of waste out of the landfills each day.
Popularity
The concept has spread around the world, spawning groups in over 50 countries. Other services have cropped up as well, attempting to imitate the best of the Freecycle Network and add a twist here and there to the details.
Freecycle Network Blogs and Commentary
Google Blog Search: Freecycle Network
EcoWorldly: Don't Just Recycle, Freecycle Network It April 27, 2008
Danny Lipford: The Freecycle Network March 7, 2008
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