News Details (Posted: April 3, 2004):

Alexandria joins international movement!

Contact Information:

Jody Dahlseid

Full Description:

The Freecycle Movement Changes the World One Gift at a Time Looking for the ultimate freebie? A giving movement is spreading like a grassroots wildfire across the globe. With over 14,000 members across the globe "freecyclers" have started a giving (& getting) revolution. Started a mere 10 months ago in the city of Tucson, Arizona, the Freecycle Network has grown to encompass over 120 cities from Adelaide, Australia to Wichita, Kansas to Alexandria, Minnesota. Hailing the mantra "One man's trash is another man's treasure," the Freecycle community harnesses the power of the internet to connect local individuals looking to give something away with those who would like to acquire it. The only requirement is that everything be free. Each city has a volunteer moderator that has set up its own e-mail listserv using the free services of Yahoo Groups. Anyone living in that city is then free start posting items to be given away, or that they might be looking to acquire for themselves. Whether its an old door, a pile of dirt or a computer, it's probably being given away on one of the networks already up and running as you read this article. Visit Alexandria Freecycle to join the local group, or go to Freecycle.org for a list of all the Freecycle Communities already out there. A new sense of community forms in each town as people realize that it's just as much fun clearing out the garage as it is getting free stuff! According to Albert Kaufman, volunteer moderator of the Portland Freecycle Network, Freecyclers are a tireless group of optimists who believe they can change the world one gift at a time as they call upon each other to " Keep on Freecylin' ! " The Freecycle Network is organized by RISE, a nonprofit recycling group based out of Tucson, Arizona, and run by a volunteer near you. Reformed packrats have been sighted wandering in the streets of major metropolitan areas with tears in their eyes. "I never thought I'd be able to park in my garage again," comments a teary-eyed member, "...but now there is Freecycle. It's so liberating. My wife and I are thinking about a second honeymoon." Photo opportunities and interviews with your local Alexandria moderator may be arrange by contacting Deron Beal at 520-791-2569, or emailing Jody at lucky_penguin66@yahoo.com.