Freecycle it...don’t bin it - please
At some point, most of us have looked regretfully at something and thought:“I should get rid of that but it seems such a waste. I wish I knew someone who’d want it.”
That’s where Internet reuse forums such as Freecycle, 2recycle, eFreeko, vSkips, Read It Swap It (for books) or SnaffleUp come in.
These forums offer a way to offer other people things you no longer want or ask for items you’d like. They are free to use –and everything on them is free. No payment, no swaps, no loans, just no-strings-attached gifts.
You can exchange anything really – sofas, fridges, crockery, that jumper you’ve never liked, kid’s toys and clocks shaped like Napoleon.
To take part in these forums, simply sign up online, then respond to messages or post your own and (if you’re successful) sort out collection.
The Edinburgh Freecycle group is now approaching 20,000 members, making it one of the UK’s largest.
All these people are getting and giving right now, saving money and protecting the environment. Remember, one person’s junk is another person’s treasure!
Need to know
To start reusing over the web, try out these Freecycle groups: