Here are some resources that will save wear and tear on our environment (and, in many instances, save you some “green,” too!), by reusing things or helping you buy local.

• Freecycle

There are Freecycle groups in nearly every American community, and I think there are a few outside the U.S., as well.  Freecycle provides a means of hooking up people with stuff to get rid of, with people who want or need stuff.  Need a baby gate?  Create a “WANTED” post.  Decluttering?  Post those old candles, the excess from your fabric stash, or your children’s outgrown clothing as an “OFFER.”  Groups in some locations seem to be better than others; why not give yours a try?

• Craigslist

Craigslist also often has free items listed.  It’s more common use, however, is for buying and selling.  If you have a car or used rv for sale, you’re probably best off with a dedicated site for that (or possibly local newspaper ads), but if you have exercise or sports equipment, furniture, etc., you might want to give Craigslist a try.  There is even a barter section!

• Neighborhood Fruit

This is a fairly new site, so its offerings in most areas are pretty sparse or nonexistent.  Let’s help it get off the ground!  Neighborhood Fruit lists local produce sources that are free – folks with apple trees in their front yards, excess zucchini in their gardens, etc.  This is a great way to reduce waste and lower our food bills.

• Local Harvest and Pick-Your-Own

These two sites provide information about local farms (and, in the case of the first one, farmer’s markets, produce co-ops, and that sort of thing) where you can purchase locally-grown or -produced foods.

• PaperBackSwap, BookMooch, TitleTrader, and FrugalReader

While all of the above groups aim to provide information by location, these do not.  They are, however, a great way to obtain used books!  These have saved me hundreds of dollars and, hopefully, kept a lot of good books out of the landfill (or from being burned).  PaperBackSwap is my favorite, but the first three all have their strengths.  They all work a little differently, which switches it up a bit as far as which books you’re likely to get.  FrugalReader seems to be smaller than the others, but I have successfully done some swapping there, as well, and I expect it will only get better with growth.  These sites also help me help others, as they connect me with the people who can use the books I’m getting rid of.

If any of these are new to you, give one or more a try!  Do you know of other sites that belong on the list?  Leave me a comment and I’ll add anything I think is appropriate.