By JENNY DERRINGER
derringer@crescent-news.com
It's time to clear out the basement, the garage and the attic. That spring cleaning you meant to do in April kept getting postponed, didn't it?
Items that have been collecting around your house or garage for years can easily be disposed, items such as the fondue set from your first marriage, a crocheted pillow given by that second cousin on your mom's side or a baby stroller that you no longer need for your now teen-age son.
But why toss everything to the curb where it will only proceed to take up valuable acreage at the county landfill?
With the popularity of recycling these days, what better way to dispose of these still usable items than to recycle them. Chances are, there's someone in the area who needs a baby stroller or there may be college students who are redecorating their new apartment in the vintage 1970s style.
Garage sales are always an option to dispose of items and make additional money, but the time and energy spent on organizing such an endeavor isn't always worth the effort.
One way to recycle is to freecycle. The Freecycle Network, a grass roots, nonprofit movement, has become quite popular throughout the world since its inception in 2003. Its website, www.freecycle.org, notes that there are more than four million members to date.
The goal of the organization is to reuse items, "keeping the good stuff out of landfills." Rather than throwing away good usable merchandise, members can post their listings for free items. Chances are someone will take it because as they say, one's man trash really is another man's treasure.
The Freecycle Network noted that the process is keeping more than 400 tons out of the landfills daily.
In addition, if you're looking for a particular item like size 11 green and red bowling shoes, a pair of 1961 Ohio license plates or a ceramic frog teapot, those requests can be posted, with members receiving and responding to the e-mails.
Membership is free and the Defiance County network boasts more than 160 members. Additional chapters are based in Bryan, Bowling Green and Lima, and Paulding, Henry and Van Wert counties.
The most recent Defiance Freecycle Day was held Nov. 3 where members brought all of their items to one location to exchange. Leftovers were donated to local thrift stores.
Recently there were four questions on the Defiance County website, with other members offering suggestions and solutions to the queries.
One woman asked how to recycle wire clothes hangers. The popular suggestion seemed to be to return them to dry cleaning businesses or take them to local thrift stores for reuse. Of the more entertaining answers, one reader suggested using them for antennas on vehicles when vandals destroy the manufacturer's.
Anyone can sign up to be a member but there are certain guidelines people must follow, including not reselling the free item. In addition, one needs to have a Yahoo account and be pre-approved by the chapter.
So to be a recycler in the true sense of the word, try freecycling.