By Chris Magee
Night editor
Everyone has some stuff sitting around their house that they don't use, but it's too good to throw away, but would be too much trouble to try and sell.
Usually these kinds of items end up gathering dust in the basement or the back of a closet, or getting tossed, even if it does seem like a waste. I had an old computer with a broken power switch sitting in my parents' basement for years, for example.
I can't stand to throw away anything good though, and that's why I am a fan of a Web-based concept known as Freecycling.
I found out about Freecycling a few years ago from a Sun story. Basically, there are groups all over the country based in the larger cities, including Naperville. Members post a description of what they'd like to get rid of, or what they're looking for, and anyone who wants it can e-mail them and make a claim. The purpose of the site is to keep things out of landfills and help save the environment, so people are encouraged to only claim things that are close to their home so they don't have to drive far to get there.
Another rule is that the transaction has to be free. Maybe some people exchange cash under the table, but officially you're giving your item away out of the good of your heart. Some of the items I've given away I would have preferred to get a couple of bucks for, but that's the decision you make when you use the site. I've had people give me a plate of cookies or something like that in gratitude though, and it definitely feels more like an old-fashioned sense of community that you don't get to experience much nowadays.
The guidelines state that you have to offer something before you can claim something, which if followed keeps it from turning into a site that's just full of moochers.
When you offer something nice, you'll get a lot of emails quickly. Some people tell you why they want it and others just say they'll take it. I tend to favor people who have a good story. I recently offered two different pieces of computer equipment, and many of the same people contacted me both times, which makes me think there are people who will take anything and are maybe turning it around to sell it to someone else. I try to avoid them because I'd rather help out someone who might be less fortunate.
The broken computer was the first thing I gave away. I was surprised at the number of responses I got. The person I ended up giving it to worked for a group that rehabs computers for seniors who want to use e-mail and the Internet. It was much nicer than having it sitting in the basement.
Many of the things offered strike me as a waste of time. You're not going to make a special trip across town to pick up half a roll of paper towels or some old hangers. But people also give away televisions, furniture, and other useful and expensive items. I got my coffee table from the site.
Here's a link if you'd like to check it out: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/napervilleilfreecycle/
I know there's not a lot to comment about on this topic, and that's OK. Does anyone know of anything else like this?
Freecycle is especially good for anything a charitable organization will not take. As you mentioned electronics, furniture and even left over building materials. My brother got rid of a bunch of cinderblocks this way. I am all for giving stuff away as I have no patience for garage sales and hate to see usable items go to the landfill.
Craigslist has a pretty good free section too- http://chicago.craigslist.org/zip/
Most of the posts consist of "It's sitting on our porch, take it before the garbage man comes on Tuesday." I have friends who are pretty militant about checking the free section who have managed to come up with some amazing stuff.
Freesources on yahoo groups is another option. It's basically the same as Freecycling. I found out about Freecyclying/Freesourcing a couple of years ago. I think it is fabulous! I have given away tons of things I no longer use/need (craft items, my daughter's outgrown snow pants, old electronics, light fixtures that I've replaced). I also frequently "curb-cycle" items on garbage day and then offer them to the group. Some of the items I have saved from the landfill this way include: planter boxes, end table (this was really pretty nice), plastic cube storage containers, wooden drying rack that needed a minor repair, etc. The only problem I have had sometimes is no-shows. Unfortunately, there are some of those. But for the most part, folks come get the stuff as promised.
On the flip side, I've received a bed tray that my sick uncle used so he could eat in his at-home hospital bed, perennials, desk chair for my daughter's room and some other items I can't think of right now.
I love being able to participate in this type of "recycling". Just think, a few short years ago (okay, maybe 10+), this wasn't even possible. Progress!
Diane, I had my first no-show yesterday. I don't understand why when you're trying to give something away, someone wouldn't show up. That's one thing that doesn't make sense to me with the whole subject.
This is a great reminder. We are moving to a new home this spring and have some things that are still good, but not "worthy" of the move, or not right for the new home, in my opinion. A lot of things will go to the curb on garbage day with "free" signs on them, especially if the weather is nice and people are out and about. My young adult children can also find a need among themselves or their young friends for a lot of it.
I also have no patience for garage sales, and would just as soon give these things away to someone that will put them to use.
Thank you for this blog. Prior to reading this, I did not know of any resource out there for this purpose. You would not believe the number of things in my garage, basement, given away to Goodwill, or reluctantly put in the trash that I would have loved to give away to someone who would put it to good use.
Too often we have things we no longer use but they are still in perfect condition. I don't want to add to the landfills any more than necessary, so hopefully a lot of people will now turn to Naperville Freecycle or Free Craig's List.
THanks for a great PSA!
Naperville IL Freecycle Warning
I was a member of the Naperville IL Freecycle group for a short time. During my membership, I was first accused of not being the correct area in order to be in the group. I was banned from the group. After many emails to the moderator of the group, my membership was reinstated. Then a few months later, I was banned from the group again. This time, with no reason given. After multiple emails to the moderator, there was still no reason given. I had to email the national freecycle moderator to get any answers. The only answers that they were able to get was that I picked up items that were not promised to me and that I posted too many "Wanted" posts. Neither of these did I do.
Anyone that is a member of this group or wishes to become a member, please beware of these practices of members being accused of not following the group's rule without being given a chance to defend themselves when things like this go bad.
Love the idea of freecycle, hate the execution. Yahoo groups is not very user friendly or attractive. So, I figured I would make something better. Check out Freuse.com