Freecycling network
makes treasures out
of others’ trashHonolulu, Maui and Big Island
freecyclers take part in movement
The drive around Honolulu on bulky-trash pickup days is one that sparks curiosity, particularly when items that appear to have much remaining life are dumped curbside, destined for the landfill.
Questions arise, such as, Why is that armoire being 86'd? Does it have termites? Are the owners remodeling or moving? Will someone scoop it as a find before the city truck comes?
The question for Madhu Lundquist was simply, Why? After relocating from Eugene, Ore., and starting a new life here, Lundquist is trying to make a difference in Hawaii's environment.
"One thing I noticed when I moved here are the kinds of things that people throw out, some of those things that other people might find use for."
Lundquist is the founder and moderator of the Honolulu Freecycle online newsgroup, part of a national nonprofit movement that matches people with items for recycling or re-purposing (see story at left). It's an idea he brought with him when he and his girlfriend moved here in October. A family friend who helped initiate the Portland branch, one of the busiest on the network with about 6,400 members, recommended he start a group here.
As of Tuesday there were 48 postings on the site, with wanted items including a twin box spring, Mountain Dew points, 78 rpm record player and "discount coupons for traveler to Hawaii."
On the giveaway side: an HP Deskjet 880C, 11 Glencourt black containers, maternity clothes, a bookshelf, microwave stand, Wavemaster punching bag and dog show ribbons.
"Not too many people know about (Freecycle); it's only through the media or word of mouth that they discover it," Lundquist said, and although he feels he could be more aggressive in spreading the word, the Honolulu group already has 125 members, with separate branches started on Maui (76 members) and the Big Island (18 members).
As moderator, Lundquist, who works for Altres Inc., monitors all postings to "keep out the spam, answer questions and make sure people don't abuse it or mislead" (for instance, by offering free services in exchange for another with the expectation of being paid in the future). Some communities have co-moderators, depending on the size of the membership.
LUNDQUIST COULD have started a Freecycle site from any locale because his job as a Web developer gives him mobility to live and work anywhere. But he chose Hawaii. "It was one of the most exciting options," he said.
His job, which keeps him on the computer, also allows him to contribute to the recycling cause without putting too much strain on him personally or professionally. "It's something I can do without spending too much time."
His hometown of Eugene is a place he describes as earth-friendly-progressive, where recycling is common practice. "Sometimes there is less trash put out (for pickup) than recycling items," Lundquist said.
"I noticed here it's not as embraced, and the more recycling groups that can be created, the better for the environment and the world as a whole," he added. "When it's an available option, people are more likely to use it; it's amazing how many things can be recycled and not thrown away."
Check the Web site groups.yahoo.com/group/FreecycleHonolulu, which also has a link to the City and County of Honolulu's Refuse Division site, www.opala.org. The city site contains information about garbage, recycling, waste disposal and the Mililani Curbside Recycling pilot project.
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