Mission:
To build a worldwide gifting movement that reduces waste, saves precious resources, and eases the burden on our landfills, while enabling our members to benefit from the strength of a larger community.

Background:
The Freecycle Network was founded in May 2003 to promote waste reduction in downtown Tucson, Arizona, and to help save the desert landscape from being taken over by landfills. The network provides individuals and nonprofits an electronic forum for recycling unwanted items in their own communities at no charge to the takers. Each group is run by a local volunteer moderator, and membership is free. This grassroots movement has spread to over fifty countries, with more than 2,800 groups and nearly 1.4 million members. Because of their efforts to recycle rather than discard unwanted belongings, approximately fifty tons a day stays out of landfills. The Freecycle Network is registered as a nonprofit corporation in Arizona, with 501(c)3 status pending.

Outstanding Web Features:
To join a Freecycle Yahoo group, choose one of the regions listed on the organization's homepage, then locate the group closest to where you live. If you click "Go To," you will be taken to the Web site of that group. If you click "Join," an e-mail window will pop up, directing you to send a blank message to the address in the "To" field; you will receive an e-mail membership confirmation shortly. (Note: After joining, expect your e-mail volume to increase noticeably.) The Web site also contains information on starting your own group, Freecycle rules and etiquette, and the Freecyclopedia, with tips, links, and recommended reading on the Three R's — reducing, reusing, and recycling.