July 11, 2014 6:30 pm Dallas Makerspace
*Freecycle for Makers
Joyce Avila Freecycle Forum Moderator (Volunteer Position) for 2 years
Or Anyone Else Who wants to Reuse, Reduce, or Recycle
Freecycle Origin
“Born of desire to save Arizona desert landscape from being overtaken by landfills.”
FREE MEMBERSHIP
What is Freecycle?
Keeping 500 tons a day out of landfills! 5x the height of Mt Everest in last year alone
Freecycle Fun Facts
•7,000,000+ users
•85 countries
•5,000+ local groups
EXTRA BONUS KARMA POINTS
when you give away something
on Freecycle
Other Reasons to Freecycle
• Subtly advertise for free a group you belong to (MAKERSPACE!)
in your write-up
• Get rid of something (especially bulky) quickly without having to pay any disposal fees and/or gas to transport to landfill
•Meet new people who may share your interests
• No cost to ask for something (for free) you need or want
How to Participate in Freecycle
•Find a Local Group at www.freecycle.org
•Pay attention to General Rules
•Familiarize yourself with Local Rules
•Learn Freecycle Safety & Etiquette
Freecycle General Rules
•FREE – no trading or bartering
•No alcohol or tobacco
•No firearms
•No drugs (even if legal) or vitamins
Freecycle Local Rules
•Membership & first email are moderated so
familiarize yourself with the specific rules of
the local group such as:
•Offer Posts / Crossposting
•Disallowed – Curbside Pickup
•Animals – May be allowed but age stated
Freecycle Safety & Etiquette
•Etiquette – (1) Post an Offer (before a Wanted) so you can see how the “best” members respond (2) Review current Posts to see what is the norm and what is acceptable (3) When you receive an item, mark it as Received and when you give an item, mark it as Taken
•Safety – (1) Establish a dedicated email account (2) Give out few personal details (3) State your post is for Porch pickup only
TIPS
•Offers – (1) Respond via email in a way it is evident you read the post, Be Proactive, and Make it easy for the Member. EX: Give a day & time window
No impersonal or weepy responses (2) Follow with a Thank you and you will be remembered especially if you chose a memborable name when you signed up
•Wanted – (1) Be accurate in description & your location (2) Include a picture (3) Wait 24 hours before responding
Freecycle Sample OFFER Post
Actual FreeCycle Post offering Styrofoam
* Post ID: 41109537
*OFFER: 15 sheets white 2x45x45 styrofoam
* Location :76018
* Date : Sun 06 Jul 2014 09:48:52 AM UTC
* Posted by :sdurrell96
* Description
* This is 15 sheets of white 2" styrofoam that measures 45" x 45". This is not all torn up. It's great for insulation, craft projects, model airplanes. I need it gone today, or it will go out with the trash.
Freecycle Sample WANTED Post
* Post ID: 1234567
*WANTED: Metal for a Sandcasting Project
* Location :76012
*Date : Sun 06 Jul 2014 09:48:52 AM UTC
* Posted by :MakerspaceGuru
* Description
* I am preparing to teach a free Sandcasting class at the local Dallas Makerspace and am looking for excess metal I can use to melt down. I can pick up curbside at your convenience.
In Summary: TOO MUCH STUFF?
In Summary: NOT ENOUGH STUFF?
Give Some. Get Some.
BE HAPPY.
Changing the World
One Gift at a Time
Thank you – Joyce Avila