'Freecycling' keeps used items out of landfills
By Angela Greiner Contributing Writer

Marlborough - Anyone looking for used items usually found only by poking around at yard sales can check out www.freecycle. org instead. Freecycle is a private nonprofit Internet network dedicated to keeping gently used items out of landfills. And it gets better: all listed items are free.

Laura Wilson, a graduate student who lives in Marlborough, is the founder of the local Marlborough division of Freecycle.

"Three years ago I was looking for a hermit crab tank and I was told to check out Freecycle," she said. "I could not believe ... that everything was free."

Marlborough resident Laura Wilson runs the local division of the Internet Freecycle network.

Wilson quickly joined the Worcester and Boston area organizations and got a free hermit crab tank. Motivated by the desire to help people locally, she applied to start a local Freecycle program. After a screening process, Wilson was approved and now currently volunteers her spare time to oversee the Internet network of 2,200 people in Hudson, Marlborough, Sudbury, Northborough and Westborough.

"This network is about passing along free good items that can be re-used," Wilson said. "It is great if you want to de-clutter or, if you just like free stuff , it is for you."

According to Wilson, anyone can become a member and there are no hidden charges.

"Even if you don't have a computer [to visit the Web site], you can use one at the library," Wilson said.

The only stipulation is that one must have a Yahoo ID.

The first step of the free exchange begins with a visit to the Web site requesting to become a member. Wilson personally approves all new members and outlines via e-mail the rules of appropriate postings. She said that one's membership begins with posting an off er of one free item.

The process is as easy as sending e-mail. Once online, individuals can search through a daily list of free items. Once a member locates an item he/she wants, the member responds to the person giving away the items and sets up a public meeting area to make the exchange.

"We do not encourage exchanges at home," Wilson said. "We encourage Internet safety."

She explained that Freecycle clearly benefits people in need as well as families with young children, who quickly grow in and out of toys and clothes.

"This is an opportunity to help people and families in the community," she said.

Freecycle began four years ago and has spread to 75 countries, with thousands of local groups and millions of members worldwide.

The motto of the organization is: "Build a worldwide gifting movement that reduces waste, saves precious resources, and eases the burden on our landfills while enabling our members to benefit from the strength of a larger community."