DON'T FILL 'ER UP

According to the EPA, Americans prevent over 60 million tons of garbage from ending up in landfills every year by recycling. Most of us do our share by recycling paper, cans, plastic, etc. But there's a simple way to do a lot more...and even get something in return if you want. If you have something worthwhile that you no longer need and you wish to recycle it rather than throw it into the garbage, consider Freecycle.

As Freecycle's website explains: "The Freecycle Network™ is made up of 4,661 groups with 6,293,000 members across the globe. It's a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It's all about re-use and keeping good stuff out of landfills."

Membership in Freecycle is...free. Freeycle groups divided by geographic areas use the internet to post lists of items members wish to give away...for free. As members of the chapter in our community, our family has posted and then given away a printer, a sewing machine, and bags of books. We have also accumulated an aquarium, Oxford English Dictionary, a standing mixer, and craft supplies. Volunteer moderators enforce the rules of this not-for-profit organization: "No swaps. No trades. No selling. No strings. Please keep it free, legal, and age appropriate. Freecycle is not a charity, an online shoppig service, or a wish list."

We're guessing there's stuff in your garage or basement that you no longer want, but that somebody else would love to have...and would be happy to come pick up. And maybe there's something you'd like for free that someone nearby is looking to give away. In all likelihood there's a Freecycle chapter in your area. So check out: http://www.freecycle.org/

To recycle an old line: Sounds like this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.