Mothers Like Freecycling!

Spring Cleaning and Freecycle kinda go together like pie and whipped topping!  Wondering what is freecycle? Let me explain.

Freecycle is a non profit network made of 4, 936 groups with over 8, 368, 428 members across the world!  This network of freecycle groups allow members to give and receive free items within their local towns.  The focus-REUSE  and keep GOOD STUFF out of landfills.  Did I mention that membership is free?! To sign up, click here, and find a group near you.

Once you sign up, you will receive daily emails with items that members would like to OFFER or items they WANT.  All emails are monitored by a local volunteer to keep things “clean” and in order.  If you see an item that you would like you can contact that person directly to see if you can collect it and make the pick up arrangements.  Usually the “receiver” will pick up the goods.  I found that items are usually left outside and possibly labeled with your name on it for easy pick up without ever having to meet the person.  (I know, sounds a little stand off-ish but everybody wants to play it safe these days).  There are times that you may actually meet a member if you are picking up a larger item (i.e. furniture) but I’ve found that most items are simply left for the receiver to pick up.  If you are “offering” a item, you  will be responsible for choosing the recipient and determining the place and time of pick up.  Once again, you can simply leave the item outside for the receiver to collect.

I stumbled across Freecycle a few years ago a love it!  I like posting items that other people can use and occasionally I’ve also received a few goodies!  Thanks to Freecycle we have a nice black leather recliner chair that we use in our finished basement:)  I’ve seen all sorts of items being offered or received: tickets to events, coupons, baby items, outdoor items, scrap metal, pet items, clothing…the list could go on and on!

Mothers Like: Being “Green” with household items–perfect for clearing out unnecessary items after Spring Cleaning!

Mothers Dislike:With all programs like these you really need to be selective.  Don’t agree to meet someone in a dark ally by yourself!  If it seems too good-it probably is!  Some people have different taste when describing their “treasures” so don’t get your hopes up…then when you do find a gem, be thankful!

Mothers Recommendation: If you live near a “nice area” you can choose to be a member of that group (you don’t have to be a member in your own town-you just need to be in reasonable driving distance).  You can also choose to be members of a few different groups to see which ones you like best.  If you go this route, I recommend setting up a separate email account (I call it a “junk box”) because there will probably be A LOT of activity coming in and you probably don’t want to overwhelm your personal inbox!  I started off with two groups in my “junk box” and narrowed it down to the one I like.  Now, I receive my “desired area” in my personal inbox with the understanding that I will have to delete at least 10 emails a day (most of which I won’t read unless they catch my eye).

The Final Word: This Mother Likes FREECYCLING!!!