Imagine an online swap meet where everything’s free. It’s not fantasy, but reality…and it’s happening right here in southwest Florida.

Freecycling is sort of like Ebay – only guided by the principle “to share and share alike”. The main rule…everything on the site must be free.

Each community has its own website and listserv. The concept is partially driven by the desire to reduce waste in landfills.

Michelle…who wishes to keep her online identity anonymous… organizes Cape Coral’s Freecycle site. She’s says, ironically, a kitchen sink was her first find.

“I use it everyday…got it from a lady that had 2 and couldn’t use it and I needed one. It is addictive…I’ve given away so many things and gotten so many beautiful things. Things you don’t even think about…like for craft projects, for groups, broken china for jewelry…anything. There’s a use for anything out there, and everything that I’ve had, there’s been somebody who really wanted it and really appreciated it.”

After hurricane Charley, on-line neighbors offered up free roofing materials—and other supplies.

Michelle says more unusual items on freecycle sites have included automobiles, boats, jet skies and computers. Members of a particular group should be within 50 miles of the host city.

Freecycling requires a brief registration. There are groups across Florida and the nation. Visit freecycle – dot – org for a complete list.