Ealing Freecycle, a generous alternative to consumerism (From Ealing Times)

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Ealing Freecycle, a generous alternative to consumerism

12:27pm Friday 20th February 2009

By Maureen Hascoët »

It seems to be a trait of international press to dwell heavily on what’s wrong with this world, and to blatantly turn a blind eye on the things that could alleviate the daily pain. It’s almost like suffering is the common lot, and the good things, even when they’re free, are the privileges of the “happy few”.

With the media constantly monitoring the economic depression, why not focus on the constant good things in our lives?

I just moved houses and was saddened at how quick the move went. I have been working in London a year and a half, and I had bought more furniture when I moved to LA to study for 9 months! I still didn’t feel like I was belonging, and that’s when my best friend told me about that Ali Baba’s cave of wonders: Ealing Freecycle! A forum you just need to sign up to, and that’s your “open, sesame” to all those pieces of furniture, clothes, bikes, anything you possibly want... for FREE! You just need to pick it up, usually in the early evening! It might not be the most glamorous outing in Ealing, but it’s still a useful one...

So far I got a huge TV, in perfect working order, and a massage mat! And what made it even better, I was welcome with more smiles than in a mobile phone store, with no money involved whatsoever! It’s a great way of discovering your community, and building a nice homey interior, full of charisma and history. None of my family is in this country, so it’s not like my Mum could give me her old dining table or a sofa... coming to London was really exciting but really uprooting and Ealing Freecycle made me believe in the inherent human generosity.

groups.yahoo.com/group/ealingfreecycle/

Comments(1)

Ealing Freegive says...
7:49pm Sat 5 Mar 11

If you haven't heard yet, there is a wonderful organisation called Ealing Freegive Group ( http://www.freegive.
co.uk/p/ealing.htm ). Ealing Freegive Group connects people who are giving and getting unwanted items for free in their own town. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of streets and landfills. This group is open to all residents of London borough of Ealing who want their unwanted furniture, clothing, appliances, computer or annything which is taking up space to be reused or recycled rather than thrown away. Or maybe you're looking to acquire something yourself. It's completely free to join..

Ealing Freegive Website Link: http://www.freegive.
co.uk/p/ealing.htm

How Ealing freegive group works:

1. You have a television or clothes or furniture or printer or toys you were going to throw out.
2. You join Ealing Freegive group.
3. You post an offer on Ealing Freegive group.
4. People respond to you if they are interested.
5. You pick a recipient and arrange for them to collect the item.
6. They take the item away.
7. You let Ealing freegive group know that the item is no longer available by posting an item TAKEN message to the group.

Note: If you need an item you can request one on Ealing freegive group in the same way by posting an item WANTED message to the group and if someone has what you're looking for they will contact you to offer it.

This is a great idea! Encouraging people to reuse and recycle things by giving them away and not sending them to the streets and landfills.

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