freecycle

One great way to do that "reuse" part of the "reduce, reuse, recycle" mantra is by participating in Freecycle.

Freecycle is a network of people around the world who are giving (and receiving) free items. The website says, "The Freecycle Network was started in May 2003 to promote waste reduction in Tucson's downtown and help save desert landscape from being taken over by landfills. The Network provides individuals and non-profits an electronic forum to "recycle" unwanted items. One person's trash can truly be another's treasure!

Freecycle is a grassroots, non-profit movement. It is free to sign up. If you cannot find a group in your region on the website, you can start a new group!

It works like this:

"When you want to find a new home for something -- whether it's a chair, a fax machine, piano, or an old door -- you simply send an e-mail offering it to members of the local Freecycle group. Or, maybe you're looking to acquire something yourself. Simply respond to a member's offer, and you just might get it. After that, it's up to the giver to decide who receives the gift and to set up a pickup time for passing on the treasure. Our main rule: Everything posted must be free, legal, and appropriate for all ages."

The Freecycle Network offers "furniture, clothing, appliances, computers, old windows, possible art supplies and all the little things in between."