Love freecycle so much that I started a local group. The closest one was about an hour away. I went to that city often, so was pretty active in their group. Now, I'm trying to build up our lil' town's group that I started.

I had MAJOR trouble throwing out stuff cause SOMEONE SOMEWHERE NEEEEEEEEDS that!! lol.. now, I don't have that problem, I can find the 'someone'

__________________




Think big! Change the world! One A.R.K at a time.

I have no problem getting the stuff gone- but I have never received anything from our local one- I honestly think that there is vultures that spend all day on Freecycle and grab things up as soon as they are posted. There is a few people that seem to respond shortly after my post is made for wanting the item (I think they resell on ebay)- I started skipping the first few that I recongnize and give it to the other posters.

I have posted needs on there (nothing extravagant- like shoeboxes for a craft project) and no one ever offered me anything. I have had no problems with meeting people at my local grocery store though- I too am leery about people showing up at my house!

but be careful( of your self) I always leave stuff out on the proch for people and ask whenever i get something from to do the same and always in the day, but I do love it I have given away alot! and they are sooooo grateful it is nice to make someones day.
and vice versa, i am grateful to get things from others

I love it - I've gotten things from it and given a ton away! It is amazing what people want......

__________________

"It's one of the most beautiful compensations in life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

LOVE IT!! Gotten rid of some huge items such as mattresses, double stroller, regular stroller, lamps, and just some stuff that I had laying around that didn't sell at my yardsale. I've gotten clothes and given clothes (just last night even) and gotten a baby swing for the swingset, a slide and even a tennis racket for my 5yo dd to practice.
I tell EVERYONE about it!! Although I hate to give out my secret! lol

I haven't looked into freecycle here at our new house, I should, I have a ton of stuff to get rid of! Usually though, I just end up donating it all, it's just easier.

At our old house, freecycle was just like the above poster said, vultures waiting to grab everything up. Even emailing me asking me to just email them directly if I had anything else to give away.

I, too, love Freecycle. I own one group and mod another. I've given and gotten so much stuff that I either wanted to get rid of (yay for decluttering!) or needed/wanted but couldn't afford. It was especially helpful when I was setting up my home daycare and needed outdoor toys and climbing equipment. On both of my groups we have a "no-show" list and will ban repeat offenders. We do not allow people to post their addresses and say "first come, first served" or the like because A) it could be dangerous, and B) it's not fair for whomever spends the time and gas money and gets there 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. All in all, it's a wonderful concept and it's really making a huge impact on the environment and keeping our Earth "green."

I never of heard of Freecyle, until I became a member on mommysavers. I only been doing this for 1 week and I have gotten rid of my pea gravel and some plants in my yard. I did notice that some people do want alot of things and have 2 to 3 post per day. I try to avoid those, but some times I have something that has been sitting in my basement or garage for a long time and I'll offer it to them. I feel the same way that some people are selling it on ebay or at the flea market. I have been very pleased with my experince with freecyle so far.

Freecycle is great!

I think Freecycle is great! I have been able to clean out a ton of clutter this way, and meet a few really nice people! One day, I found a bicycle at a garage sale for $5 for my son, and needed training wheels. By that evening, I had a free set for my son's "new" bike! We've also been given quite a few neat items like a bunk bed and full size freezer for the basement! It has saved us a ton of money. I will say that I enjoy the getting rid of clutter and helping others out the best though....oh, and I've had great success giving away perinnials on there. Quite a few people in my area post them, and I've recieved some too! Kinda neat!
As far as safety, it is definately good to be on alert when interacting with strangers. Each group usually has suggestions and guidelines to keep it as safe as possible.