Freecycling is when you give away, not throw away

What is exactly is freecycling? It is when someone gives away an unwanted item, for free, to another person. That item could be anything from tools to appliances. So instead of throwing things away to sit in landfills, you can give them away to someone who needs them. You weren't expecting money anyway for something you were going to put out to the trash.  Freecycling is a great way to reuse what we own while reducing our carbon footprint.

The internet has really helped in making freecycling a big success. One of the largest freecycle networks is Freecycle.org. It now has over 3 million members in over 3,000 local groups globally. You can find the area or a group in which you live and look for items you want or post the items that you wish to give away. Most freecycling groups have some guidelines that include: Items being offered must be legal, safe and appropriate for all ages. Weapons, medication or adult themed products are often not allowed.

Some popular freecycle items to get yourself thinking are:

• toys
• electronics
• small appliances (e.g. toasters, blenders, irons, waffle makers, etc.)
• large appliances (e.g. stoves, refrigerators, storage freezers, etc.)
• all types and sizes of furniture

• computer equipment and/or accessories
• all types and sizes of clothing
• books, posters and paintings
• sheds, trailers and even homes

Just about anything you have in your home can be freecycled. As they say "One man's trash is another man's treasure". Many handy individuals receive used item and with a little elbow grease they can turn these items into like-new again. Some have created new business from the items they receive from freecycling. In this economy receiving free, still usable items is a splendid thing.

Freecycling is now popular in the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Germany. It soon will be practiced throughout the world. Freecycling may be able to help you in more ways than one. You can't argue with FREE.