A thrifty, worldwide idea has made its way to our region with the mission to reduce the human footprint on the planet. The online ReUseIt Network has a group based out of our area with more than 1,500 members who have the “waste not, want not” attitude.
“In these hard times, many of us find ourselves needing something that we just don’t have the funds for,” explained Heather Dow, who moderates the online group.
On the other hand, there may be something we are willing to part with that could be useful to someone else, she said. The ReUseIt Network is an online group where those willing to give can link up with those who might need to receive.
Dow said that some of the recent items sought have been to help the Batavia family who have lost their home to a fire for the second time, or clothes for children or Chinese auction tickets.
A few items being offered for free include, for example, scrap furnaces, printers and monitors, books and kids' bedding. But the inventory is, of course, always changing. Anyone willing to part with something can offer it to the entire group with one online post.
All that is required to join the group, is a Yahoo! account. From there, members just follow the rules to begin acquiring or donating.
Members are only allowed to post "wanted" messages for two items per week. However, in some cases, Dow said she will allow people to make a post for more items -- like with the recent fire victims.
"Their friend posted for them and I allowed her to ask for anything they need,” Dow said.
To avoid SPAM and other online difficulties, new members must respond to confirmation e-mails. But once they’ve joined, members are allowed to offer as many items as they wish -- so long as they offer everything free of charge.
