It turns out that you can get something for nothing. In fact, if you want to be part of the Freecycle Network, they insist on it. Part of a global movement rapidly nearing 6 million members, Rancho has its very own local group of people who, according to the freecycle.org website are, “giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns.” 

   Started just over 5 years ago in Arizona, Freecycle is now a registered nonprofit corporation that keeps hundreds of tons of materials out of landfills daily. They accomplish all this by allowing members to post notices online. Through subscriptions to Yahoo Groups, Freecycle members list descriptions of items that they are looking to obtain or relieve themselves of. Membership and participation is free. All groups are moderated by local volunteers. Moderators insure that both the items offered and the members adhere to the rules and guidelines.

   Listings are kept simple and to the point. Items are listed first by: wanted, offered, taken or received, and then followed by a very brief description. This streamlined policy makes the postings quick and easy to scan. No headaches here.

   There are approximately fifteen groups in the Sacramento metro area, but part of the design of Freecycle is keep things local. Members are encouraged to work with the group closest to them before widening the circle. This allows groups to grow and expand while keeping peripheral costs like time, transportation and carbon emissions to a minimum. Even if you’re not that into recycling, it can save you the hassle and/or headache of a trip the dump or the local charity while cleaning up your home at the same time.

   The Freecycle Network website gives some very pleasant, but very clear requests to journalists doing stories on their organization. “Our success depends on your inspiration. So, please try your darnedest in your piece to be clear about what The Freecycle Network is and what it isn’t…” They want people to understand that the Freecycle approach is about more than taking. It depends upon everyone giving something back.

   So if your stack of feng shui books is gathering dust and you are in need of, say, bamboo poles for your garden instead, you can help yourself and others by joining Freecycle. You never know who could be itching to unblock the wealth corner of their kitchen’s chi. For more information and how to contact Rancho’s group, go to the official website.