Now, through a network that has been established in the area - the Williston Freecycle Network - people looking to get rid of old “stuff” can be connected with frugal people looking for free “stuff.”
As an added bonus, the Network's goal of slowing the flow of trash into area landfills is met through the exchange process.
The best part is, everyone can be connected with just the click of a mouse, as the Network is part of an online group and accompanying message board. And, one other little detail: It's all free.
Anyone looking to give away or acquire an item is welcome at Williston Freecycle. Charitable organizations are also welcome to post their needs. Moderator for the Williston group is April Ferguson, who moved to the community six months ago from Rapid City, S.D., where she had a successful experience with the Freecycle Network.
“It was so enjoyable,” said Ferguson of the South Dakota group.
“And, while it's under the heading of recycling with the point to keep things out of the landfills, it really helps build a sense of community.”
Ferguson noted instances where: A family's house had burned down, and their basic necessities were met through the group; the perfect home for a special-needs dog was found, as opposed to putting the animal in a shelter; and a bed was found for a family taking in a foster child on late notice.
how it works
There are some general rules that must be followed upon joining the group. Basically, keep it free, legal and appropriate for all ages.
This means, for example, no alcohol, tobacco, firearms or drugs, legal or otherwise.
“If you have to have a license for (the item), (Freecycle) is not the place to offer it,” said Ferguson.
No trading is allowed. With Freecycle, there are no strings attached and items are meant to be given away. Also, there is no advertising of such things as rummage sales, as they are held to bring money in, and doesn't follow the Freecycle parameter of being free.
And lastly, no offering of yourself or your shy friends; there are may online dating sites better suited for this purpose.
When making a post, a member can either “offer” something to give away, or post a “wanted” message if they're looking for a particular item.
No personal information is listed, and Ferguson recommends giving your phone number out to interested parties only after they've replied to your message.
Then, delivery and/or pick-up arrangements can be made between the two parties, either via the telephone or over e-mail.
In Ferguson's experience, older people needing to downsize their clutter, and young, growing families can benefit most from the Network.
A companion site called the “Williston Cafe,” which is linked to the Network site, has been set up for things that don't fit into the Freecycle perimeters.
For example, it can be used as a community message board to bring attention to events such as blood drives.
Currently, the group has 11 members, and Ferguson is anxious to see the Network grow.
She said in Rapid City, the magic number for the Network seemed to be 100, as a variety of items were being posted. As that number grew, sub-groups had to be formed.
Members should be anyone within driving distance of Williston, as they may be expected to travel here to pick up an item. Ferguson noted that the moderator of the Minot group is a member of the Williston network.
The Williston Freecycle site is hosted on Yahoo! Groups. Membership is free; signing up is simple, and instructions are available on the Williston Freecycle Yahoo! page at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Williston_ND_Freecycle/.
For those interested in the Network who don't consider themselves too computer or online savvy, Ferguson said the process is relatively simple. And, as moderator, she offers to help set up new members.
For more information on the Williston Freecycle, contact moderator April Ferguson via e-mail at Williston_ND_Freecycleowner@yahoogroups.com or by calling 774-0157.
Reducing waste for tomorrow
In addition to taking advantage of groups like the Freecycle Network, utilizing local “regular” recycling services can also make a significant difference in the campaign to reduce waste for future generations.
The Recycling Center of Williston, 214 Third Ave. E., accepts the following: white office paper, newspaper, magazines, shredded office paper and corrugated cardboard; tin cans and aluminum beverage cans.
They cannot accept plastic (like empty jugs), styrofoam in any form or fiber board (such as cereal and pop boxes).
The Recycling Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and has a 24-hour drop off for your convenience.
For more information on items accepted, call 572-2744.
Also, Delaney Recycling Center at 619 Second St. W. buys aluminum beverage cans.
Freecycle grassroots
The Freecycle Network was founded in Tucson, Ariz., in March 2003.
Created by the nonprofit group “Downtown Don't Waste It,” the Tucson Freecycle Network has sparked a world-wide “freecycling” revolution of over 1.5 million people in over 50 countries so far.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Americans recycle approximately 28 percent of its garbage, thus keeping 64 million tons of waste out of landfills across the country.
To see grassroots working at its best, visit the freecycling movement website at: http:/www.freecycle.org.
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