A new trend that first took root earlier this year in Tucson, Ariz., has found its way to the mid-Columbia River Gorge.
It's called "freecycling."
"The idea is, some people are throwing things away to the landfill while others are going without. People are throwing away chairs, beds, and blankets, all of which can be used," explained Martha Blake, who with her husband Jonathan is helping to organize the local freecycling network. "There are people who don't have those things. This gives people an opportunity to connect and exchange."
Local organizers explained that they hope to make people aware there are better ways to dispense with unwanted items rather than just throwing them away.
According to Jonathan Blake, the idea is spreading swiftly. In the Columbia Gorge, the group -- called the Columbia Gorge Freecycle Network -- was formed Oct. 21, and it already boasts approximately 90 members.
"We're really surprised it has grown so fast," he said. "This area is pretty conscious not only when it comes to the environment, but in saving a buck. This is like going to a yard sale and going by the box with a sign that says, `this is free.'"
Blake said the local group's territory stretches roughly from Goldendale to Cascade Locks.
The general idea of "freecycling" is to use e-mail and the Internet to increase environmental consciousness and help reduce waste by making it easier to recycle and reuse. Regional networks provide a venue for people to give away usable items. Proponents contend the process reduces the amount of waste that goes to landfills, gets the most use out of existing resources, and "helps a neighbor" at the same time.
"It's easy to take things to the dump, but there are people out there who need items we're throwing away," Martha Blake explained. "This helps build social consciousness, and by reducing waste, society would not have to spend so much money having to deal with it through landfill and other avenues."
Rogena Johnson, a Goldendale resident, said she recently completed a unique freecycle transaction with someone in White Salmon.
"I ended up getting a catfish for my son," Johnson said. "The catfish needed a home because he had outgrown his tank, and we were looking for more pets. It was a real smooth deal."
Johnson pointed out that she occasionally bags items for the thrift stores, but never seems to get around to taking them in.
"It's easier just to post and let people come to me," she said.
The freecycling process is relatively simple.
"You can go into Yahoo and join the local group, and from there, people can post," said Jonathan Blake. "It's a good way for people in need of items to post them there to see if there is anything they want. There is no money changing hands. This is just opposed to having it end up in the dump. If somebody wants it, somebody gets it at no cost -- other than transportation."
To serve those who do not have e-mail and Internet access, the organizers hope to be able to coordinate with the library and the Klickitat-Skamania Development Council soon. A bulletin board or some other method would connect those wanting to give something and those in need of a specific item.
Jonathan said the system doesn't have many rules.
"The only requirement is that everything be free," he said.
The local freecycling network can be accessed at:
For more information on freecycling, call Martha Blake at 493-5269.
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