The Freecycle Network

[blove8.]

Have you ever made an awesome ground score? Personally, I've gained quite a bit of free computer equipment just by taking a walk around the neighborhood on garbage day, or keeping my eyes out as I pass through other neighborhoods on garbage day.

Ground scores are always fun. Also, you can't beat it when you hear someone mention that they need something and you just happen to have that something and don't have much use for it anylonger. I love that!!!

With this premise in mind, I wanted to pass along this fantastic site which encourages this type of trade amongst members of communities all across earth.

Quote:Number of Freecycle™ Communities: 3,771
Number of Freecycle™ Members: 2,629,617

Welcome!

The Freecycle Network™ is made up of many individual groups across the globe. It's a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. Each local group is moderated by a local volunteer (them's good people). Membership is free.

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!

How does it work?

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.

Non-profit organizations also benefit from The Freecycle Network. Post the item or items you want to give away and specify that you wish the gift to go to a nonprofit cause. It's entirely your choice! It's a free cycle of giving.

Who can use The Freecycle Network?

Think globally, recycle locally. The Freecycle Network is open to all communities and to all individuals who want to participate. Freecycle groups are moderated by local volunteers from across the globe who facilitate each local group - grassroots at its best! Tell a friend about Freecycle™!"

www.freecycle.org

[tsoldrin]

Err... sounds an awful like craigslist only more complicated and troublesome? Some years back I remember there was actually a site that combined maps with sighted computer gear in the trash... I no longer have the link at the moment though, sorry. I have trash picked a huge many computers and parts myself... as a rule of thumb if you can fix power supply problems, thats about 90% of whats wrong with them when they're at the curb. :)

[blove8.]

Quote:Err... sounds an awful like craigslist only more complicated and troublesome?

I guess it is similar to craigslist, just a bit more specialized, meaning that it only deals with giving and receiving free items. I wonder if there are any barter and trading type of sites... wel, i guess you could use craigslist for that type of thing. Connecting people who have needs or wants with others who can meet those needs is the main key I guess.:)