Why throw away usable items when you can join nearly 1,300 members of the Grand Junction Freecycle Network who are “changing the world one gift at a time.”
Save landfill space and make someone happy all in one fell swoop.
The Free-cycle Network is an Internet-based group through which members can give away and find items, keeping loads of stuff out of the landfill.
Started five years ago in Tucson, Ariz., the network has spread to more than 75 countries and has more than 4 million members.
According to The Free-cycle Network Web site, www.freecycle.org, the philosophy is simple: “By giving freely with no strings attached, members of The Freecycle Network help instill a sense of generosity of spirit as they strengthen local community ties and promote environmental sustainability and reuse.”
Grand Junction got on the bandwagon in October 2004, and its network has grown exponentially. The first year there were 700 messages, but things picked up speed with nearly 2,000 messages in 2006 and double that number in 2007.
More than 1,600 messages were posted in the first quarter of this year.
The local group can be accessed at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ GrandJunctionFreeCycle/.
You need to have an account with Yahoo in order to join the group, but creating one is easy and free.
After applying for membership, you must be approved by the local moderators who administer the group. This can happen the same day.
If you have something to give away, you post an “offer” message. When arrangements for the item have been made, you post a “taken” message so other members know that item is no longer available.
If you see something that interests you, be sure to move fast and send an e-mail to the member who posted the item. When looking for a specific item, you can post a “wanted” message and see if someone in the network can help out. Post a “received” message when you get the item to let members know you no longer need that item.
Members include their general location when offering goods and use e-mail to work out a way to transfer items. When posting “wanted” items, members include the general areas where they will pick up items.
The only hard and fast rules for the network are that items be free, legal and appropriate for all ages.
Keep an eye on the postings because offers vary widely from day to day.
Recent postings have included children’s goods, bikes and gardening supplies. Small kitchen appliances are also frequently exchanged, as well as materials for crafts.
All of these things got new homes instead of ending up in the landfill.
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Adele Israel is a Grand Junction writer who has been involved in sustainability efforts for some 20 years. Have a question or column idea for Adele? E-mail her at msdeli@bresnan.net.
Other Options for Giving Things Away
This is a partial list of options. Call or stop by the listings for specific information regarding donations accepted, hours and pick-up services.
• Fruita Thrift Shop, 142 S. Park Square, Fruita (Wednesday through Saturday only).
• Goodwill Industries, 630 24 1/2 Road, 243-1745.
• Habitat for Humanity Home Supply ReStore, 1104 Pikin Ave. (until August 2008), 263-0858.
• Heirlooms for Hospice, 635 Main St., 254-8556.
• Salvation Army, 1038 Ute Ave., 245-5439.
• Salvation Army Thrift Store, 1155 N. Fourth St., 257-1984.
• Save-A-Pet Thrift Store, 2651 U.S. Highway 50, 257-0070.
• Second Chance Thrift Store, 2905 F Road, 241-0691.
— Adele Israel
