Imagine living in a community where used items that are in good condition are given away freely, with no strings attached, and no money exchanged. Imagine living in a community where people not only recycle, but reuse, by giving away their unwanted items freely to others - even strangers - who will give them new life. Sound too good to be true? That community exists, right here in Springfield, Illinois.
The Springfield Freecycle Network is an Internet community of local people who are giving (and getting) good stuff for free right in their hometown. The goal is to keep useable items out of the landfills, keep curbs and alleyways clean and save our prairie grasslands from being overtaken by landfills that no one wants in their own backyard.
Anyone with access to a computer can log on to www.freecycle.org, click on the region where they live, scroll to their state, and click on a link to their local community Freecycle site. There are currently more than 3000 Freecycle sites worldwide, with 163 in Illinois alone.
The Springfield site started in January, 2004, and now has more than 1600 members. The site is moderated by two local volunteers who try to build community involvement and make the site fun and productive. The address is:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/freecyclespfldil/
Everything must be FREE, legal, and appropriate for all ages. There is no bartering, trading, swapping or selling allowed. Membership is free, and members are required to provide the ZIP code(s) where they live and work in order to attain membership. Although "wanted" posts are allowed, everyone must make an offer first before asking for something.
In July, 2005 alone, more than 350 different types of items were offered and given away for FREE on the Springfield Freecycle Network. From A-Z, they have everything and the kitchen sink!
Teachers and not-for-profit agencies are encouraged to join Freecycle and post the things they need. Businesses are encouraged to join Freecycle to give away their outdated equipment, furnishings and office supplies rather than throwing them away.
Reduce, reuse, recycle ... and Freecycle! ... pass it on.
TIPS FOR BEING PART OF THE FREECYCLE NETWORK:
DO provide the ZIP Code(s) where you live and work when you sign up.
DO carefully review your email delivery options. The Springfield site is a high volume site and you can receive more than 600 messages in a week.
DO read and follow the Freecycle Guidelines.
DO post an OFFER before you ask for something.
Springfield Freecycle Network
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