While the thought of a micro-economy based on the exchange of zero currency might sound absurd, Freecycle has built an entire community around the exchange of free goods. Need a bike seat? Mattress? Cell phone? It’s likely available on Freecycle, which, similar to Craigslist, is built around an online network for metropolitan areas.
You can donate your old goods, or find things you need, all online, all within your local community. The beauty of the model is not just the ease on your wallet, but the conduit it provides for citizens living just miles away from each other to meet face to face, even if it is just to pick up a 5-year old desk. More than just classified listings, the platform is made up of 4,180 local groups with 4,152,000 members, each group moderated by a local volunteer with forums for discussion and a Yahoo network-based interface. You can send messages to members, post photos and files, and more. Best of all, Freecycle is transforming virtual communities into real ones, and keeping those old skis and picture frames out of the landfill, giving them a second life with a new owner. Sustainable in material and social effects, Freecycle is a great example of low-cost community building.
by Emily Pilloton
