One thing that is eternally true of the modern world: We all have ever-increasing amounts of stuff. Where once people owned things for very long periods of time and the economics of repair vs. replace often favoured repairing, in today’s economy most stuff is so cheap it’s easier and wiser to simply replace things when they break down or stop working correctly.
Of course, this also means it’s very easy to replace things you simply don’t like, like a couch that just doesn’t work in your family room decor, or an old computer that works just fine but can’t handle the graphics in the latest games. What do you do when you’ve got things that are still functional but no longer wanted? You can throw them away – but that’s a terrible waste. You can try to sell them through an auction site or similar – but that’s sometimes more trouble than it’s worth. Or, you can learn the art of freecycling.
Give it Away
Freecycling is a concept that’s gaining ground all over the world. It’s a very simple concept: A community is formed online (usually) where all the members are local to a specific town or area. People then make three kinds of posts: Posts where they’re offering up something they don’t need any more, posts where they request items they do need, and posts where offered items are claimed.
So, take that old computer that still boots and runs but can’t play the new games. Instead of posting it to eBay or Gumtree and hoping to get fifty dollars for it plus the pain of packing it up and sending it interstate, plus the risk of a dissatisfied bidder complaining about you, you post it to the board. Someone claims it, and you make a private arrangement for them to come and pick it up from you.
Making Space
This offers a way to keep your space clutter-free while also knowing that you’re not simply contributing to the massive rubbish problems around Australia. This way you can improve your own life while also having the satisfaction of improving someone else’s, possibly someone in financial difficulty, possibly someone who’s just hunting a bargain. Either way, it’s a net positive no matter how you view it, and an ideal way of staying on top of all the clutter.
Filling Space
At the same time, it’s also a way to get things you need without a) paying money for them, which is always a win, and b) contributing to the cycle of materialism that drives economies to continuously produce more and more stuff. Whether you’re a young couple seeking to furnish your first apartment without breaking the bank or a retiree living on a fixed pension or just someone who hates to pay for something when they can get it for free, the freecycle option might be perfect for you.
Plus, the money you save can be used for more important things – like decorating your walls. We’d love to encourage your conservation efforts with some inspiring wall art. Just pick some favourite photos and click here!
