Changing the world one gift at a time

By Jody Arendale
Sun contributor
Pssst…how’d you like to pick up a perfectly good, slightly used 40-gallon water heater, on the cheap? Or maybe a gas furnace for your drafty old pole barn? Ever dream of having a vintage cast iron claw foot bathtub but couldn’t afford to buy one? What about old windows for craft projects, how are you fixed for those? If you were a member of Freecycle.org you could have picked up any of these items and more, for free. Yes, for free.

The Freecycle Network is a grassroots, Internet-based idea committed to keeping as much good, usable stuff out of our nations’ landfills as possible. Our members do this by giving away items, large and small, that they no longer want or need. There are few restrictions on what kinds of items can be offered. As long as they are legal, safe and free, you could find a new home for them through Freecycle.
Founded in 2003 by Deron Beal in Tucson, Ariz., the movement began as a way to help local businesses recycle materials that would have otherwise ended up in the desert landfills around them. Working with nonprofits and a passionate group of friends, the concept of “freecycling” was born. The network is presently comprised of nearly 4,500 local groups worldwide, with members exceeding 5 million and growing fast. Membership is free and it’s easy to join; just visit www.freecycle.org to find a group near you.
You might be thinking, “Well, I usually drop stuff off at the thrift store when I go to Traverse City so why ‘Freecycle’?” While it’s easy to drop off a bag of clothes or a small box of household items, what about some of that other stuff that’s gathering dust in your attic, basement or pole barn? You know, the big, bulky, heavy and, quite possibly, dirty stuff? Stuff you haven’t even looked at for years.
Wouldn’t it be great if someone would come and haul that away?
Turns out, there are plenty of people who are more than willing to do just that. It comes as no surprise that our current economic plight has created much need throughout our communities. While that old refrigerator or water heater might not be worth much to you, what about the young family whose own just went out? You never know what someone else might need in a big way. So here’s a sampling of what you can give away through Freecycle: appliances, furniture, building supplies, compost materials (yes, even manure), lawn & garden equipment, plants, all types of non-hazardous chemicals (including paint; we’ve given away lots of paint), electronics, sporting goods, cars, gas and charcoal grills, soft goods (clothing, linens, craft supplies, toys, baby items), even food … the list is practically endless. And the beauty of Freecycle is that the people who want your “stuff” have to come and get it. You, with a generous heart, get rid of unwanted items, help a member of your community, preserve the beauty of our land and free up some space in your home. That’s what you call a win-win situation, and they don’t come along that often.
I initially joined the Traverse City Freecycle group and found it to be a good resource for getting rid of many things we removed from the Bed & Breakfast this spring: the claw foot tub, the water heater, a mattress and box springs, pillows, carpet and padding, and about 20 bags of lawn and yard clippings. (We got lucky and found a young woman in the process of transforming her back yard into a vegetable garden.)
I found, however, that with gas prices climbing faster than service station attendants could change their signs, many people were reluctant to make the drive out to Leelanau County, even for something free. Last month, I started a Freecycle group that serves our county with the hope that it will allow even more “good stuff” to be given away here and with less gas used in the process.
Leelanau County has a long history of supporting its local residents through thick and thin, sickness and health, fire, flood and all manner of natural disasters. And we are passionately committed to preserving our pristine countryside. Freecycle is a wonderful and easy way of achieving these goals with a stated mission of “changing the world one gift at a time.”
Jody Arendale is moderator of the Leelanau county Freecycle group and innkeeper, with husband Brian, at the Glen Arbor Bed & Breakfast. She welcomes your membership, questions or comments at www.leelanaufreecycle.org.