Freecycle is my new best friend

I've discovered The Freecycle Network here in Vermont. According to The Freecycle Network home page the network "is made up of 4,229 groups with 4,397,000 members across the globe. It's a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. Each local group is moderated by a local volunteer. Membership is free."

I've joined four different Freecycle lists here in Vermont: Addison/Rutland; Springfield; Burlington and Washington County. The reason for this is I clean out estates in various towns and in order to list items in whatever town I'm working I need to be a member of that town's list. It's actually fun and exciting because I have the opportunity to meet many great people who appreciate my castoffs and less stuff is going into the local landfills. Besides offering items for the taking a member can also place a wanted post if they are looking for an item in particular.

So far, since joining, I've managed to keep 35 boxes of old books; 4 boxes of records; an old buffet/server; 3 bags of vintage linens; some old shutters; a floor model stereo; 15 boxes of household items; a sofa; 2 upholstered chairs; a large kitchen counter; 4 boxes of children's encyclopedias; a stroller; and a large box of men's clothing out of the local landfills. I find this exciting (I know, I need to get out more) but best of all I've met some wonderful folks who were just as excited to receive these items.

It's free to join a Freecycle list so give it some thought. I'm glad I did. It's a great way to keep from filling up the dump with stuff that still has some miles left on it and it's actually fun!