The Look for Less: Freecycle
We apologize if you have already heard of Freecycle, but we just discovered it. And it is a must for the fabulously frugal. Do you already Freecycle? Tell us about your experience in the comments.
Freecycle is a way for frugal men and women, such as yourselves, to hook up and unload trash or score some treasure, depending on which side of the exchange you are on. So, for example, that old oven you tried to sell on Craigslist but got no takers? Even Goodwill won't take it, so now it’s headed to the dump. Just post it on Freecycle and find someone who really wants it. All transfers are one-to-one, they are moderated and they are all with people in your neighborhood. This May Freecyle will turn five and that is five happy years of helping people keep their junk out of the landfill.
Freecycle is not a way to score free Prada handbags or designer throw pillows (although there is some amazing stuff on there). It is a way for budget and eco-conscious people to recycle and keep stuff out of landfills. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure! We totally just unloaded a gross of pink and white tea lights that we couldn’t sell but felt bad dumping. That is what we call a score.
Go here to find a Freecycle for your area.
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Comments
i love freecycle!
i just got a sewing machine through it a couple weeks ago. works great!
I am picking up a bookcase tonight!
I’m lucky to happen to live in somewhat of a “freecycling” neighborhood. When someone is trying to get rid of an old couch, lamp, etc.—still in OK condition, not yet ready for the dump, but too bulky to drag to Goodwill—neighbors place it on their front sidewalk with a “FREE” sign. Sure enough, the piece usually gets taken by someone. You know what they say: one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!
I love it! Been a member for years and I have gotten so many cool things from it. And got rid of so much crap I didn’t know what to do with.
I have gotten rid of stuff easily on freecycle, but as far as getting stuff, it’s been very difficult. There are (apparently) people on my local freecycle that stalk it and snatch up everything before anyone else can get it. My neighborhood group and local craigslist are a little bit slower and more manageable, though.