Freecycle(.org)

[Earth_First]

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.

The Freecycle Network was started in May 2003 to promote waste reduction in Tucson's downtown and help save desert landscape from being taken over by landfills. The Network provides individuals and non-profits an electronic forum to "recycle" unwanted items. One person's trash can truly be another's treasure!

www.freecycle.org

[BayCityProgressive]

1. wow.

A friend ofd mine is a huge environmentalist and is the first Dem ever elected in her city. I should forward this to her, she would probably want to do something like this.

[agates]

3. There may already be a freecycle group in her community

Have her look into it.

I think it is a great program. I've gotten rid of packing peanuts, fragrance oils, old patio furniture, computer components and more.

[Tempest]

2. The Bakersfield, CA freecycle program is a big success

I just got rid of a bunch of stuff using it.

There's only one issue that gets my goat and that's when people say they want something but never follow through. It happens a lot with me, but there's always someone else who wants it so it works out in the end even if it takes longer to get rid of it than I want.

[agates]

4. I've had the same issue

I try to avoid it by setting a time limit right in the posting for the items to be picked up. Then if the recipient doesn't follow through, there is no need to nag them via email, just email telling them they missed the deadline and move on to the next person who expressed interest.

[Tempest]

5. I give them 24 hours after the initial personal contact is made

If they don't respond by email or phone (I give out my phone number when they respond) in the 24 hour period, I figure they aren't serious and move on to the next person. I've never had to go beyond the second person, especially when I tell them the first person fell through.

And the first responder has never made contact after the 24 hour period, so the time limit has worked out for me.