It is like a garage sale - without the price tag. Based on the idea of keeping things out of the landfill, freecycle.org is the internet personification of the axiom that ‘one person’s junk is another person’s treasure’:

“The chief rules are that everything must be free, legal and appropriate for all ages. That means no weapons, prescriptions, alcohol, tobacco or pornography. Posters can’t offer services, either, such as baby-sitting.

Just about everything else is OK.”

link: Web site helps recycle one person’s trash into another person’s treasure

Of course, there are people who try to take advantage of this service - and things may land on eBay. However, the site is moderate by volunteers and the people are aware that some may try to take advantage of the offers. This is using the internet for a sense of community and fighting back the trend to ‘throw it away’. Rumor has it, though, that geeks never throw anything of possible value away. This concept of recycled use would be perfect for them.

Catherine Forsythe

[tags]freecycle, free, recycle, scams, ebay, internet community, volunteers[/tags]