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.
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.
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.
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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?
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.
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.
Another piece features a Zimmer frame she found in the street.
“It’s classic waste. The NHS gives them out for free and people don’t want a used one. You see them a lot,” she said.
She has also collected items from online sites like eBay and Freecycle.
“It’s incredible what people chuck away.
“I always tell people I’m going to use it in art, and they’re fascinated and pleased. They’re glad it’s being used.”
What is Freecycle?
Freecycle is a grassroots movement that promotes sustainability and community. It’s a great way to reduce waste and give things a second life.
How it works:
Why Freecycle?
While TikTok is where you’ll find most of the chatter about underconsumption, Lindsey said Facebook, Freecycle, and eBay are great places to take advantage of the movement. The platforms work both ways by unloading all of the clutter yet finding ways to spend less on items you feel are necessities in your life.
Freecycle:
Freecycle is a grassroots, online network of local groups where people give and get stuff for free in their own towns and neighborhoods. It’s a fantastic resource for finding free mattresses, as members often post items they no longer need, including furniture and bedding.
To access Freecycle, simply search for a group in your area, join, and start browsing the listings. Keep in mind that availability can vary, so it’s worth checking back frequently and being quick to respond to any postings that match your needs. Remember to arrange safe pickup or delivery when communicating with other members.
I bought a big suitcase. BIG SUITCASE – the most essential tool of the character comedian. I poked around charity shops and Freecycle and Facebook Marketplace with no luck. It needed to be BIG and it needed to be available soon (it was purchased in advance of Brighton Fringe in May, when I was doing 5 shows over 2 consecutive weekends, travelling back and forth from London to Brighton every day.)