Bartering and Freecycling

Bartering is making a comeback, especially in economic times like these. Remember the "one red paperclip" a few years ago? Kyle MacDonald made 14 barters, starting with one red paper clip and ending with a house! Well, he's now looking to barter the house.

Even beyond bartering, there is freecycling - getting and giving away things for free.

Free things posted on Austin Craigslist today:
- huge Baloo stuffed animal (from Jungle Book)
- elm trees
- waterbed
- antique piano and bench (!)
- jacuzzi
- office cubicles
AND.... a toilet!

Many similar items are posted on Austin Freecycle Network, a yahoo group dedicated to freecycling.

I love that these sites are the ultimate example of recycling. Recycling doesn't have to be only for former packaging of new items...all of the things above would take up a lot of space in a landfill!! Why resort to that when someone out there is bound to want what you don't?

My goal is to both give and receive through these channels more often. I've only really posted moving boxes and stuff like that before, but I'm going to think more creatively in the future.

Join Austin Freecycle Network here.
Browse Austin Craigslist free stuff here.