Having recycling services in your new town is good, since plastics, aluminum, paper and cardboard can be collected, processed and turned into something new. But recycling still uses natural resources—and money—to convert the items into something else. A better alternative is to have an active freecycle group in your community. What exactly is freecycle?

The Freecycle Network, if you've been living under the proverbial rock for the past few years, is a group or, more accurately, a bunch of groups spread across the country, where you can give away things you don't want and get things you need.

Freecycle History

The above description actually doesn't do justice to the not-for-profit (501c) organization termed "The Freecycle Network (TFN)." Founded in 2003 in Tuscon, Arizona by Deron Beal, today the organization has nearly 8.5 million members in close to 5,000 communities across the world. The organization's motto is "Changing the world one gift at a time."

When you go to Freecycle.org, you can search for a freecycle group in your neighborhood. Originally, Freecycle groups were coordinated through Yahoo groups, but today Freecycle.org also hosts groups. A group's moderator can decide to move the infrastructure to the official Freecycle Network website or keep it as a Yahoo group.

Joining Freecycle

Once you find a group in your area, sign up to receive an email digest once a day, or individual emails every time someone posts to your Freecycle group. (If you choose the latter, it's smart to set up an email account just for freecycling, especially if your group is very large and active.)

How Freecycle Groups Work

If you see something you like, want or need, request it. If you have something you want to give away, write a post that includes your town and the item in the subject header, with the word "OFFER" and a brief description of the item and a link to a photo, in the body of the email. Someone (or multiple people) will email you back to request the item. Select one and email them the address where they can pick it up. You can coordinate a time with them, or just leave the item outside with their name on it for pick-up.

If there's an item you'd like to acquire, post an email with the word "Wanted:" and the item in the subject header. Briefly describe the item you're looking for. It's as easy as that.

What If You Don't Have a Freecycle Group in Your New Town?

The Freecycle Network is just the largest of many groups that re-circulate items to neighbors. Google "Freecycle" and your town to find similar groups in your area. You can also start your own Freecycle group. Freecycle groups are a great way to get rid of items you don't need, find some new-to-you stuff to decorate your new space, and meet your neighbors!