Freecycle
Freecycle
Do you have an old computer that you don’t need anymore? Or are you trying to find
an extra TV but don’t want to spend money? Then the Freecycle Network is for you. The
name combines the word “free” and the word “recycle.” The Freecycle Network is an online
community whose members help each other get what they need—for free! Unlike eBay,
Freecycle is a geographical community. You join in the area where you live.
Americans generate almost five pounds of garbage per person per day. About 55
percent of this garbage is buried in what is called “landfill.” Buried garbage can cause
environmental problems. This garbage often contains useful items that other people
may need.
The Freecycle Network was created in 2003 by Deron Beal, whose idea was to protect
the environment by keeping usable goods out of landfill. He also wanted to encourage
neighbours to help each other. He started his network in Tucson, Arizona, where he lives. He
sent an e-mail to about thirty or forty friends to see whether/if they wanted to join. His Freecycle
community grew quickly. Today there are more than seven million members in over five
thousand groups around the world. The Freecycle Network reports that its members are
How do members deliver or receive the item? The person whose item you
want will let you know the place where you can pick it up. Very often, the item will be
left in front of the giver’s house for the receiver. The giver will specify a time when the
receiver can pick up the item. Sometimes the giver and receiver will meet.
It’s always important to be polite. You should always send a thank-you e-mail to the