Contact: Marlene Feuer, Public Affairs Manager - (505) 891-6548

One Person’s Trash is Another’s Treasure

New Mexico, August 8, 2006 – As households, schools and businesses look for ways to reduce the waste they generate with an eye to protecting the environment for future generations, one unique initiative that is help address two out of the three Rs – reduce, reuse and recycle – is Freecycle™.

One person's trash can be another person's treasure. That's the premise fueling the New Mexico Freecycle Movement, a fast-growing, computer-based grass-roots group of reusers. Members pass their used and unwanted items to others to keep the stuff out of landfills. Freecycling is an online garage sale -- without the sale. All items are free, and no trading or swapping is permitted.

The Freecycle Network truly reflects the notion that one person's trash is another's treasure. Freecycle is a grass-roots movement that began in the United States in 2003 and has recently spread to communities throughout New Mexico. Using the Internet, Freecycle members give away and get items for free in their own communities. The goal is to reduce waste and save items from needlessly going to landfills.

“Re-use is often the most difficult of the 3 R’s to achieve,” says Calvin Ivy, Market Area Manager of Waste Management of New Mexico. “Freecycle is a practical way for people who have things to give away to connect with people who need specific items, reducing waste and encouraging reuse at the same time.” Waste Management is the first corporate sponsor of Freecycle by helping the organization build and expand its on-line capabilities.

“New Mexico communities have shown great enthusiasm for the Freecycle concept,” says Deron Beal, the founder and executive director of the Freecycle network. “Our partnership with Waste Management will help us plan for and manage our future growth, improving the Freecycle experience for New Mexico residents who want to get involved.”

“Members can give and get great things for free, in an effort to keep unnecessary waste out of landfills,” Ivy said. “If you’re buying a new home computer and no longer want your old one – but it still works fine – you can offer it up for free to another person or nonprofit. It’s so simple: just post a description or respond to a member’s offer. After that, it’s up to the giver to decide who receives the gift and to arrange a pickup time for passing on the treasure.”

There are several dozens of Freecycle communities across New Mexico. Items exchanged range from appliances to furniture to sports and leisure equipment, and can be offered to individual members or even local charitable groups. The only rule is that all items posted be free, legal and appropriate for any age group.

A local volunteer moderator runs each Freecycle group. Membership in the Freecycle Network is free and if there’s not already a group in your area it’s easy to start one. To find a group near you or for step-by-step instructions about how to start a local Freecycle community, go to www.freecycle.org.

Waste Management is the leading provider of comprehensive waste and environmental services in North America. For more information about recycling, log onto NewMexico.WM.com

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