Don't trash your stuff - swap or give it away
Instead of throwing away things you don't want anymore, Web sites offer you the option of swapping or trading toys, furniture, sporting equipment and more. Credit: Newsday.com composite
Too often, good stuff goes in the trash - because it's too much of a hassle to give it away. So says Martin Tobias, who in 2008 founded kashless.org, a community-driven marketplace where everything is free.
"There's a ton of waste, and people buy and hoard things they aren't using," says Tobias, who lives in Seattle.
Kashless is one of an array of free online marketplaces, including Craigslist and Freecycle, that encourage reuse and sustainability. The idea is to swap or give away your belongings, instead of trashing them, and it's also an alternative to yard sales and donation centers.
"I hate wasting anything, and throwing away things that are perfectly good makes me cringe," says Staci Gerardi, 33, of Ronkonkoma, who uses Craigslist and Kashless.
BEFORE YOU POST
Most sites prohibit giving away items such as prescription drugs, firearms, pornography and used cosmetics.
Curb alerts, or "first come, first served" ads, are typically discouraged - if the item has already been taken, they prove a waste of both time and gas.
And, in the interest of safety, site moderators suggest doing swaps in daylight, at a neutral, public location. It's also a good idea to remove personal address stickers from any items you're giving away.
POPULAR SITES
Kashless: longisland.kashless.org
Recently posted: Bricks, board games, wooden doll house, diapers, hospital bed and mattress
How it works: Search free listings or create an e-mail alert when specific items are posted. Kashless features a rewards program - members earn points for posting or taking items and inviting friends. Points can be redeemed for discounts and gift cards to retailers.
Nassau Freecycle: groups.freecycle.org/nassaufreecycle
Recently posted: Swivel desk chair, bowling ball, bookcase with glass doors, stuffed animals, a dog sweater
How it works: You can post offered items and wanted ads on the group's Web site. You can also be e-mailed a daily digest of items posted. Volunteer moderators approve ads before posting.
"I just received a beautiful wicker furniture set for my porch," says Christine Hirschfeld, 57, of Long Beach. She's also picked up a lamp and yogurt maker.
Western Suffolk County Freecycle:
groups.yahoo.com/group/freecyclesuffolkcountyny
Recently posted: Tablecloth with napkins, indoor rabbit hutch, live grasses, booster seat
How it works: Use this message board-oriented site to post wanted ads or give away your own items - everything must be free, legal and G-rated. If someone is interested in your offer, they'll contact you through the Web site.
Craigslist Long Island: longisland.craigslist.org/zip
Recently posted: Wooden swing set, firewood, old National Geographic magazines, covered litter box, bike rack
How it works: When you post an ad in the "free" category on Craigslist, you're given an anonymous e-mail address that filters messages directly to you. But that anonymity sometimes attracts scammers.
"Use common sense. If it sounds too good to be true, it is," says Christine Goeren, 22, of Centereach, who has found a couch and love seat using Craigslist.
eBay Classifieds: newyork.ebayclassifieds.com
Recently posted: Reptile bedding, floppy disks
How it works: Like Craigslist, eBay Classifieds - formerly Kijiji - features both items for sale and a "free" category. You can post an offer or wanted ad. The particulars are handled via direct e-mails between the poster and the taker.
Out East: Mecox Bay Dairy, Kent Animal Shelter, Custer Institute & Observatory and local champagnes NewsdayTV's Doug Geed takes us "Out East," and shows us different spots you can visit this winter.
Out East: Mecox Bay Dairy, Kent Animal Shelter, Custer Institute & Observatory and local champagnes NewsdayTV's Doug Geed takes us "Out East," and shows us different spots you can visit this winter.
