I love Freecycle

Freecycle is a e-group of people living in the same community who recycle their things for free, hence, freecycle. Things on offer are varied - from used clothes, toys, appliances (refs/freezers, TVs, dvd players, heaters), furniture (beds and mattresses, sofas, dining sets) pots and pans, plates, computers, phones, empty jars, fences, to defective appliances which other freecyclers can fix or use for parts. Here's how it works.

Members post "offers" of things they want to give away or get rid of, and their location (usually their suburb). Interested members write emails to the poster of their intent for that offer. The poster then gets to choose who to give the item to. Many factors are considered by the poster, some choose based on a first come first served basis, some consider the reasons for needing that item, some don't choose members because their emails are rude. When you are chosen, you are emailed by the poster to coordinate pickup or sometimes delivery of the item.

You can also post a "wanted" email, requesting members for a particular item you need, and hope that someone replies with that item they no longer need.

I have been fortunate enough to have been a recipient of this freecycling from the freecycle canberra group. For a Filipino officer who's wife is giving birth this month, I was able to get a really nice bassinet plus baby stuff, and a pram. For another Filipino officer, I was able to get a washing machine after his broke down. I got gumboots for Diego for use in the snow, car seats for visiting officers with kids. And the best so far, is the 4-burner Jackeroo outdoor grill, perfect for Spring! There are other things that I have requested for, but wasn't chosen by the poster. But that's ok.

How wonderful it is to be able to share with strangers what you have but don't need anymore. It's good for the giver, because it gets unwanted things out of their hands, and great for the receiver, who doesn't have to spend.

I wonder if this can work in the Philippines as well. But I reckon there are many issues we have to face -

1. Safety. You will be asking strangers to pickup from your house. Afraid sa holdup.

2. Greed. You can never tell if it's really going to be used, or just going to be sold in second hand stores/ukays.

3. Greed v.2. It's so hard for Pinoys to part with things, even if they're not using it. Even if it's broken. Some want to give things away but only to people they know.

But despite these issues, I hope we can overcome them by practising generosity even if it is to strangers.

Anyone want to start this in the Philippines?