Freecycle

It’s not the fastest computer in the world but it’s better than what we had. We have two computers at home. They’re networked and both connected to the internet. Our secondary or old computer was quite ancient and was having a few problems keeping up, so when I got an email to say that someone was giving away 5 computers I jumped at the chance. I got one of them running and replaced our old computer. When I get time I’ll play around with the others and get another couple working for friends and family.

What do you do with an old Queen Sized Mattress you no longer need? Find someone who has an even older one and give yours to them.

My dog, Boris, left this world many years ago, so when an email arived asking for a dog kennel I volunteered the one that we had sitting behind the shed since Boris died.

Emily needed a three quarter sized guitar for lessons at school. We sent an email and some hours later Pauline was arranging to pick up an old one, free.

These are just a few examples of how we’ve used Freecycle. It’s a worldwide, free network that helps to keep what some consider to be junk out of landfill.

As they say on their main website, “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.”

We’ve responded to pleas for various items, accepted offers, and posted details of items we’ve needed.

I’ve seen everything on our local Freecycle group from a car or two through to clothes, books, plants, pets and a lot more.

If you’re looking to unclutter or there’s something you need, why not check out Freecycle for a group in your area?

Posted by Rodney Olsen

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About the author

Rodney Olsen

Rodney is a husband, father, cyclist, blogger and podcaster from Perth Western Australia.

He has worked in radio at Perth's media ministry Sonshine for over 25 years and has previously worked at ministries such as Compassion Australia and Bible Society.

The views he expresses here are his own.

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4 Comments

  • What a great idea! Thanks for sharing this link Rodney. I have already checked and there is a branch in my area. 🙂

  • freecycle is great! i checked out the one in melbourne and i already found someone who could really use our old computer (we’ve spent 4 months looking for a way to keep it out of the landfill)8)

  • Thanks for the links, Becca.

    I’ve shortened the URLs using tinyurl. Longer URLs mess up my sidebar when the comments appear in the Recent Comments.

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