CAN you really get something for nothing? Yes you can - and help to change the world at the same time. You can do it through Freecycle. It's an Internet notice board where everything is being given away for free. All you have to do is turn up on time to collect it and remember to say thank you nicely.

It is simple. It is brilliant. And it is probably about to take over the world.

Freecycle started in America, where Deren Beal was working for a small recycling organisation, trying to prevent good stuff being thrown into landfill sites. So he started advertising items on the Internet and a new idea was born.

Someone gets rid of their unwanted stuff, someone else gets just what they want for free. And another bit of landfill space is saved. It's the Internet equivalent of a pile of items at the end of the drive with a sign saying "Please help yourself."

Unlike eBay, which is global, Freecycle thinks locally. So although there are more than one and a half million members in 45 countries, they are all in small local groups.

"Think globally. Recycle locally," says Deren. "Community feel is critical, probably the most important single aspect. We're empowering people on a local level to help each other."

And there's an awful lot of empowering going on.

On the sites in our region, Jacqueline from Chester-le-Street is offering Brownie uniforms, James from Jesmond is giving away some FCUK jeans, Ian in Eaglescliffe is giving away a bike, Olwen from Newton Aycliffe is offering a rocking chair. But, sorry, you're too late for the Star Trek mags, the Robbie Williams CDs and the electric planer.

And if you've got some golf clubs or a mini fridge, Alan or Stephen would love to hear from you.

The Toon group in Newcastle was started last year. Theo Gibbs has been a moderator, a sort of volunteer organiser checking the messages, for six months or so. He's just acquired an office chair - "very comfortable". He is offering a circular table and is hoping to get some old melodeons, accordions and concertinas.

"It's just a great idea, so nice and friendly. The main rule is that no money must change hands. No mention of money or trade, in however roundabout a way. Any mention of that and the message is out. "

(Founder Deren Beal hasn't made a penny out of it and says he has no wish to either. Apparently, he's still working at his original job in Tucson.)

Last week, the Toon group notched up its 500th member. "It's really building up momentum now. We've had a flood of new members. The more people join, the more offers there are and the more it takes off," says Theo.

The southern part of the region has now formed its own Middlesbrough group, so everything is getting more local still.

As well as clearing clutter and giving people a real bargain, it also has great environmental implications by reducing consumerism.

"We all have things that are too good to throw away and would happily give away if we knew someone who needed them. That's just what Freecycle does. Very simple really," says Theo.

And don't forget the feel good factor. "Changing the world one gift at a time," is the Freecycle motto.

"It might just be your beat up old sofa," says Deren Beal, "but when you watch someone drive away with it, at that moment you can feel like the most philanthropic person in the world."

And all for nothing.

HOW FREECYCLE WORKS

l Go to www.freecycle.org and you'll be on their American site, with links to groups all over the world.

l Find a group you want to join and follow the links to setting up a free Yahoo email service. This, frankly, is a pain to do, but stick with it. It's worth it.

l You can offer things or ask for things, but your first posting to the group must be an offer. This is the spirit of the organisation.

l Anything you offer must be suitable for all ages - so no drugs, guns, knives or nasties. No booze, no fags and no, you can't give your children away free to a good home, however tempted you might be.

l No mention of money. You are giving things away and getting them for free.

l Once you've had offers for what you're giving away, you have to decide who to give it to and then arrange the handover. There is advice on being sensible about this.

l If you're taking someone up on their offer, you have to turn up on time and, ideally, within three days to collect it.

l Once it's gone, you post a 'taken' email so everyone knows it's gone. Then you can start all over again.

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