Internet unites community and goods

Have you ever had something you’ve wanted to get rid of that wasn’t worth the hassle of selling and posting signs up all over town? Ever need something that you know somebody has just lying around in their basement, waiting for someone like you to bring it back to life?

Freecycle, is a movement started in May 2003 by Deron Bill, in Tucson, Arizona. It aims to connect people with another persons unwanted belongings.

Through Freecycle, less trash ends up in the landfills scattered throughout the world, which is the “general purpose” of the Robson Valley Freecycle, according to John Grogan who set up the forum back in 2004.

It uses the new technology to give locals from communities around the world a way to give away and receive everything from a used ball gown to an old fridge.

While Jasper might not have a Freecycle, thanks to local David Miller, there is a Buy, Sell and Trade Facebook group which aims to connect Jasperites with each other and the things they desire without having to leave their home.

“People come to Jasper with a backpack and that’s it,” said Miller, adding that there were “always people leaving who are getting rid of stuff.”

Unlike Freecycle, people can make money by selling their goods on the site, but Miller said he was happy for people to use the site as a way to give unwanted items away as well.

“It’s like having a garage sale everyday, just online,” said Miller. 

Or, instead of traipsing through town looking on boards, or sticking up your ‘For Sale’ signs, head to the group by searching for “Jasper, AB. Buy, Sell and Trade” on Facebook.

While Grogan said his online community has become a little stagnant, he hopes that support from the Valemount Chamber of Commerce might give it a boost.

Grogan said that while this is the main purpose, the online community also helps to connect people of the Village of Valemount and the surrounding valley with each other.

“It’s a matter of building community,” he said, “I think community is at risk generally. Look at voter turnout, less people showing up for community events: there seems to be a disconnect.”

While Jasper is yet to follow Valemount’s lead, it would be simple for someone to set up a Freecycle community in town, according to Grogan.

Freecycle communities are built using Yahoo Groups, to access the Robson Valley Freecycle go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Robson_Valley_Freecycle.