Sunderland Echo: Choose sustainability to heal our ailing planet

1. Forget flat-pack furniture

Whilst Ikea is a wonderful company for climate goals, it’s still best to skip flat-pack furniture isles and head instead to your local charity shop, antiques market, or car boot sales. There are also lots of websites like freecycle or Vinterior. Not only will you be giving pre-loved items a second lease of life, but you’ll also be avoiding the ge carbon footprint involved in producing and shipping furniture. Often, older furniture is better made and has more character too, so you’ll be investing in a solid piece that you can admire for years.

https://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/environment/going-green-present-and-future-danger-caused-by-climate-crisis-5115191

Montclair Girl: 7 New Jersey Businesses That Pick Up Donations

Freecycle

Freecycle is a grassroots movement of over 5,000 communities engaging in free peer-to-peer item exchanges. Anyone can join by signing up and joining whichever group location pages you desire. There are groups for Essex County, Hunterdon County, Morristown, Clifton, Wayne, Jersey City, Hoboken, Hackensack, and Franklin in Sussex County. One does not have to be a resident of a specific area and can join as many groups as they please. You can provide items or ask for items within the groups, and can arrange pick-up or drop-off. Available items range, but have included bed frames, sewing kits, shoes, dining tables, and bicycles.

Contra Costa News: Pittsburg to Host Community Cleanup Event

As always, we encourage residents to consider donating usable items to friends, family, or charitable organizations before disposal. Online platforms like Craigslist, FreeCycle, or Facebook Marketplace are also great options to give items a second life.

Business Today: 10 Creative Ways To Save Money Without Sacrificing Fun In 2025

Trade treasures instead of cash
Why buy new when you can swap? Freecycle networks and online swap groups are perfect for finding secondhand furniture, clothing, and gadgets—all for free. These platforms encourage sustainable living while helping you save money on items you need. Whether it’s exchanging books, baby clothes, or home decor, swapping goods fosters community connections and reduces waste. Plus, it’s a thrill to find hidden gems without spending a dime!

https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2025/04/10/10-creative-ways-to-save-money-without-sacrificing-fun-in-2025

gogreenlocally.org: Illinois Eco-Action Spotlight- Chicago Area- Video Map Project

Interesting video!

https://www.gogreenlocally.org/tourstopsggl/freecycle-app

American Libraries Magazine: Bookend: The Wedding Dress Whisperer

Decades later, Puccio’s passion now manifests itself in a rotating collection of vintage and modern bridal gowns, which she stores in her library office and loans to any bride who asks. Community members have donated most of the 100-plus dresses on offer, though Puccio sometimes nabs gowns from Freecycle or Goodwill if she spots a good one. Nor is her own wedding dress spared from the collection. Married for 34 years, the widowed Puccio has gladly loaned out the gown she wore at her 1985 nuptials.

The Scotsman: 11 quirky things to try in 2025 to save cash without giving up the good life – from bartering to handmade soap

Freecycle, a global network for giving away used goods, is a great place to find secondhand furniture, gadgets, and even clothes – all without spending a penny.

https://www.scotsman.com/business/consumer/quirky-things-try-2025-save-money-bartering-handmade-soap-4962335

Daily Kos: How To Help Each Other

For about 7 years now, I’ve been a Volunteer Moderator for a worldwide organization, Freecycle.org.  Beginning in England, there are Freecycle.org branches in many areas and if not, it’s easy to start one. 

Our Mission Statement is ​​​​to reduce waste, save resources and to ease the burden on local landfills.  We’re an all volunteer organization and we care about the planet.

https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/1/16/2297247/-How-To-Help-Each-Other

MSN: How to Dispose of Household Items That Are Difficult To Get Rid Of

If you have an old mattress and box spring in good condition, consider selling them or giving them away on a web site such as Freecycle NetworkNextdoor or craigslist. If you purchased a new mattress, see if the store will take your old mattress for recycling.

You can also check with your local recycling center or garbage disposal service to see what their rules are with old mattresses and box springs. Garbage haulers will often pick up a certain number of oversized items each year. Yet another option is a junk removal company, like 1-800-Got-Junk?

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/home-and-garden/how-to-dispose-of-household-items-that-are-difficult-to-get-rid-of/ss-BB1jZ0Nv?cvid=E898F2FE0502415FA415EB990F774D12&ocid=sk2mdhp

Toronto.com: Go green at the office

Here are a few ways to go green as you clean. List things you want to give away (like a desk or used equipment) on www.freecycle.com or www.craigslist.com and someone local will come pick it up at your place or anywhere convenient to you. Take the rest to a women’s shelter or charity. If they can’t use it, they may be able to sell it to another place.

https://www.toronto.com/opinion/columns/go-green-at-the-office/article_eafbc442-0989-5883-b2d3-ba09971a6e20.html?