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!
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