The Freecycle Network

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

keeping five hundred tons of goods out of landfill each day.

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

person whose item you received.