16 WebsiteCompass Freecycle Freecycle.org was started in Tucson, Arizona in 2003, when Deron Beal sent an email to 40 friends and local nonprofits in the area to see if there was interest in creating a system for reusing local goods. Since then, the concept has spread to more than 110 countries, with thousands of local groups and millions of members. According to their website, the people using Freecycle.org have kept over one thousand tons of trash a day out of landfills. Membership is totally free, so when you sign up you can join one or more local town groups, and you are given the option of creating your own Friends Circle by inviting friends. (This is encouraged, but not required.) You then make posts about items you want to gift or receive, other members reply, and you’re off and running. Buy Nothing This nationwide group is well established and organized, with many towns and cities offering several local options. You can use the Buy Nothing App or do it through Facebook. Do a search in Facebook for “Buy Nothing (your city)”. When you ask to Join, you’ll be asked for your address or neighborhood, and then you’ll be referred to the Buy Nothing group your location is associated with. You can #GIVE, but you can also #ASK—such as, “#ASK Does anyone have any decor for a racing-themed boy’s birthday party that I can take or borrow?” As in all Facebook Groups, there are volunteer Admins who make sure everyone is following the rules. In most Buy Nothing groups, you set out the item(s) outside your home to be picked up by the recipient of your choosing. They come by to get it at the agreed-upon date/ time, and then it’s gone. Sharebay Sharebay.org works similarly to other freecycling groups. You join a community, create a post that lists something you’d like to give or something you’d like to receive, and then it’s up to other people to respond accordingly. However, one thing that separates Sharebay from others Sites for Giving Away (or Getting) Free Stuff Freecycling helps find new homes for things and keeps them out of landfills Are you trying to declutter your home and donate items you no longer want or need? Or are you hoping to find free stuff to stretch a tight budget or help someone in need? Either way, check out these convenient freecycling resources. Beyond the Basics
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