Freecycle Network
From Biocrawler, the free encyclopedia.
The Freecycle Network is a social network service that aims to divert useable goods from landfill and strengthen local reuse and recycling communities. It provides an online forum for individuals and non-profits to offer and receive free items for reuse or recycling.
The organization was started in May 2003 by Deron Beal to promote waste reduction in Tucson, Arizona, and reduce the need for landfill sites in the fragile desert landscape. It has since grown, reaching into 51 countries and involving more than 1,200,000 members in over 2,600 groups around the world.
Each local group (which are organized as mailing lists) is run by volunteer moderators. Groups affiliated with the Freecycle Network are listed at the official website, and can use the name. The Network is open to new groups.
Controversy
In February 2005, Deron Beal recently accepted the Freecycle Network's first corporate support, in the form of a $130,000 sponsorship from the largest garbage company in the U.S., Waste Management, Inc. According to a news article, while some applauded the move, others were shouting "hypocrisy" and formed splinter groups.
Similar organizations
External link
- freecycle.org, the official website of the Freecycle Network (http://www.freecycle.org)
- Waste Lines: As Freecycle grows, idealism and reality collide (http://www.grist.org/news/maindish/2005/05/19/weiser-freecycle/index.html) - article in Grist magazine about issues confronting the organisation.
