The Freecycle Network
The Freecycle Network is an organisation 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 50 countries and involving more than 1,570,000 members in over 3,000 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 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. While some applauded the move, others shouted "hypocrisy" and formed splinter groups. There is also a question as to where the money has gone. It was stated by Deron that the money would be used for a new website, lawyers fees for the trademark, and to pay a small staff of one person. Beal announced that he quit his "day job" after he received the money and has since taken an extensive vacation. All Freecycle groups are run by volunteers who receive no pay or reimbursements of any kind.
Similar groups
- FreeCycleAmerica
- FreeUsables Network
- FreeSharing Network
- Freesources Recycling Network
- FreeCycleEarth
External link
- freecycle.org, the official website of the Freecycle Network
- Waste Lines: As Freecycle grows, idealism and reality collide - article in Grist magazine about issues confronting the organisation.