Introduction to Freecycle - Ottawa, Eastern Ontario, Western Quebec

1. A presentation for Waste Reduction Week 2006 Ottawa October 16-23, 2006

2. Freecycle… What is it?

3. Freecycle started in May 2003 to promote waste reduction in Tucson's downtown and help save desert landscape from being taken over by landfills. Freecycle uses an online forum to ‘recycle’ (actually re-use…) unwanted items.

4. When you want to find a new home for something -- a chair, a fax machine, piano, or an old door, etc. -- you simply send an e-mail offering it to members of your Freecycle group(s).

5. Or, maybe you're looking for something yourself. Just answer a member's offer, and you might get it. It's up to the giver to decide who gets the ‘gift’, and to make pickup arrangements for passing on the treasure.

6. You have something you don’t want! Rather than trash it, or hide it away in a basement, garage or closet, you get rid of it by offering it on a Freecycle group! Give away, or ask for stuff. But, everything must be FREE ! It’s a simple concept…

11. NO POLITICS, NO SPAM, NO MONEY, NO PERSONAL ATTACKS OR RUDENESS Baddies are banned on Freecycle!! Etiquette - actively monitored!

12. Join a local Freecycle™ group Ottawa.FreecycleCanada.org

15. Freecycler Jenn, kids & Freecycle “stuff” Children’s toys, clothing, etc. VERY popular on Freecycle!

16. Sample Freecycle posts OFFER: Building Stone (Glebe) OFFER: Girl’s 12 " bike (Orleans) … in good condition; needs new training wheels as one is worn clear through. OFFER : Toaster Oven (Sandy Hill) WANTED: Small amount of outdoor paint (Hunt Club )

17. Old candles you’ll never use? Freecycle ‘em!

19. That’s it; that’s all folks!!! Freecycle Improving the planet, one gift at a time! Ottawa.Freecyclecanada.org