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!
gogreenlocally.org: Illinois Eco-Action Spotlight- Chicago Area- Video Map Project
Interesting video!
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.
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 Network, Nextdoor 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?
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.
Arizona Daily Star: These Tucson nonprofits can help with year-end recycling, reusing
It’s New Year’s Eve and if your list of resolutions includes recycling and reusing, local nonprofits can help make those intentions a reality.
In fact, the Freecycle Network (https://www.freecycle.org/), a nonprofit dedicated to helping people give and get stuff for free, is gearing up for its busiest day of the year.
“Every year, our busiest day is January 2. Everyone gets through the holidays and they say, ‘I got my new sweater and I’m getting rid of the old … it’s kind of like Boxing Day in England, when people box up their old stuff after Christmas to get rid of it,” said Deron Beal, founder and CEO of Freecycle, which he established locally in 2003.