Sunday, November 4, 2007

Freecycle ~ Pay It Forward

NaBloPoMo Countdown: Day 4 of 30


This afternoon I was involved my first Freecycle "transaction" and I am really happy to have stumbled upon the organization from one of Stephanie's latest blogs. I checked it out and it seemed like a really cool concept. So I started reading the posts (which are short, sweet, and to the point...no rambling here) and found a few people in need of a few things I wouldn't mind getting rid of.

I found someone who was looking for cat toys, trees, bed, carriers and such, and being the crazy cat lady that I am, I knew I had some extra stuff just sitting around in the basement. I emailed the girl yesterday and told her what I had and today she came and picked it up! Just like that!

There are two reasons in my mind why Freecycle is such a great idea. First off, I can get rid of stuff I no longer need without having to throw it away and fill up the landfills even more than they already are. And number two, I can help someone out by giving them things that I no longer use.

The best part of this particular transaction is that these cat items were going to someone who works with rescued kitties as well as volunteers with a cat shelter. Those kinds of people take top priority in my book, so I didn't think twice about helping her out, as well as the kitties.

Also, I found a mother of 3 who was looking for a Christmas tree. She told me that for the last 4 years her and her kids have only had a 3 foot tree and she promised them that they would get BIG one this year. When I saw this post I remembered that the Hubby's mom wants to pass on her Christmas Tree to us, so she can get one of those skinny country ones. So I told the lady in need of the Christmas Tree that I needed to contact my MIL to confirm that we were getting her tree (she's out of town) and when I do, I would be more than happy to pass ours on to her.

I haven't quite found anything being offered on Freecycle that I am in need of just yet, but I keep on checking, I mean...you never know.

Check out the main Freecycle website and look into the local Freecycle organizations in your area. And if there isn't one in your area already, start it up yourself!

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Ah yes, I've been a freecycle fan since Cali (though I must admit, the items are much more tame out here in the Midwest!

Be sure to find the group for our town, too.

Unknown said...

I have tried freecycle and I just have hesitation on really using it. I am glad you have found it to be a good source of helping others out.

I would love to get together for lunch sometime this week. I have to work today and tomorrow. I have taken vacation days for wed-friday, but fear my schedule is already filling up. Maybe we can meet on thursday after I have parent/teacher conferences. Let me know what your schedule looks like on thursday. :)