Free is good! (freecycle.org)

Member Name: bungle82

Product:	freecycle.org
Date:	10/10/09 (18 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: It helps you AND the planet

Disadvantages: You can get endless emails if you offer something good

Freecycle is absolutely brilliant - and like all the best ideas, it works on a really simple principle: One man's junk is another man's treasure!!

Freecycle originated in the US (I believe) and came to Britain about 6 years ago. There is a main UK site that links to all the different Freecycle groups within the country and you find the group that covers where you live, and sign up using Yahoo groups.

Once you have registered you can opt to receive messages from the site every time someone posts in your area, a once a day digest of everything posted that day or choose not to receive any emails at all and just read the posts online. A word of warning - if you opt to receive an email every time someone posts a message your email inbox will soon fill up with hundreds of messages!

Posting is easy - you either post via the website or by emailing the group email address. All post subjects must start with the word "Offered" "Wanted" or "Taken" then include a brief outline of the item that is being offered or is wanted and the area the item is in (usually the first part of the postcode such as CO1). It is worth reading the rules for your particular group as they can differ slightly from group to group.

As well as the obvious opportunity for you to get things that other people are offering, Freecycle is great for when you're getting rid of things or having a clear-out. We used it loads when we moved and downsized and it saved endless trips to the charity shop and tip, and the people who got our old stuff (that was still in good condition) were all very happy!

I've not actually got anything from Freecycle for myself as yet, but I did manage to get my Dad a TV when his one broke and my Mum got a fire surround a few months ago :-)

Of course the best thing about Freecycle is everything on there is totally free so you can save a fortune, as well as feel really pleased if you're the one offering something, knowing that you're helping someone out and helping the environment too!

Summary: Worth a look before you hit the shops or the dump!