Freecycle Review

FreeCycle is a wonderful concept. Whether you have an excess of items you no longer need, or have just moved into new digs and have a limited budget for acquiring furniture, this is an excellent resource.

It does require joining your local FreeCycle e-mail list, but after that it's simple. Post the item you're offering or seeking, and then make arrangements privately for the transaction. Only free items are allowed; by FreeCycle rules no money can change hands.

I enjoy just seeing what kinds of interesting things are offered or looked for - Wooden dinosaur models, cervical traction units, DVDs of obscure television shows.

My only concern in offering is safety. I think sometimes the assumption of being "a community" is overrated, and it's always important to use common sense in inviting strangers to your house. On the other hand, FreeCycle has enabled me to meet neighbours I might not have otherwise, who are often very interesting people.