WHERE YOU CAN GET IT FOR FREE

GREENHOUSE ON FREECYCLE

Freecycle.org is a great way to turn over your unwanted gifts and things of the past you want to let go of. It's a great way to reduce clutter and keep from filling up the landfills. Also a great way to reduce consumerism and consumption, a major cause of environmental degradation, www.globalissues.org. When you log onto Freecycle.org you pick the area closest to where you live and start browsing. You become a member of that area's freecycle and you will receive e-mails about what people in your area are trying to unload, or what they are in need of.

Because the members you are in contact with are from your area, you'll find things can get real specific. For example, in Hollywood, there is lots of opportunity to find things for movie sets, like, costumes, make-up kits, sound kits, etc. Also, people move in and out of here often, so finding furniture pieces that are nice is a breeze. I was in need of a bike, and within minutes I had received four e-mails with people saying they had a mountain bike ready for me to pick up, and yep it was for free.

Because it's for free I think people are more honest about what things may need, as in what condition you will be receiving them. Members also ask for just about anything, like a laptop! Yes, there are old vcr tapes and probably some 8 tracks out there as well. I have seen people unload beds, mattresses, mirrors, coffee tables, tv's, bookcases, etc. Every time I pass the second hand shop on my street I am tempted to think, 'I could get that for free on freecycle.org!' If you've found something and you're meeting someone for a pick up, be sure and meet at a safe neutral place, like a busy supermarket center. It's great to read how many people have trouble throwing things away.

It certainly reflects an internal relationship we all have with nature. It's also interesting to note that we are so used to paying for things, you might not think anybody would be giving away what you want, but believe it or not, give it a try, because you would be surprised at what you can get for free!