By Pamela McGowan

Last updated at 11:40, Tuesday, 20 September 2011

Since it was formed in 2007, more than 2,700 people across Eden have signed up to web reuse group Freegle.

Now the local branch is holding an open day to spread the word even further.

It is asking people in and around Penrith to meet up in the town centre, bringing along unwanted items to swap with others and find out more about the service.

The concept of Freegle is simple but effective. People who have items they no longer want but may be useful to others advertise them via an email mailing list to those in their local community.

If someone wants an item they get in touch and you hand it over for free. Alternatively, if you are looking for something specific, you can advertise and see if anyone has one sitting around gathering dust.

By doing it this way, less items end up going to landfill and you can de-clutter your home knowing that the items are going to good use.

Chris Cant, from the Penrith and Eden Freegle group, said: “Especially in these harder times, people are always looking for a bargain and what better bargain than it being free. There are other groups in Cumbria, including Carlisle.”

The open day, in the centre of Penrith, will take place on Saturday from 10am to 4pm at the Carlisle Eden Mind Five cafe in the Market Square, near the clock tower memorial.

It will be a ‘give and take’ event, so participants are invited to bring along unwanted items that others can recycle.

A previous open day back in February saw well over 100 people dropping in to find out more about the group.

Normally all ‘Freegling’ is done online by email, but Chris said: “It was great to meet many group members face to face for the first time, and help those who aren’t already signed up.”

He added that being part of the Freegle network is a nice way to meet other people in the local community, while cutting down on the waste and recycling collection and disposal costs for the council, with an estimated six tonnes saved every month.

The Penrith and Eden Freegle group is run by volunteers Chris Cant, Juliet Gray and Judith-Ann Wardlaw.

Juliet said: “As an internet-based group, Freegle users send ‘offer’ or ‘wanted’ messages by email to all other members, so it’s all about matching surplus items with those who can use them. Everything must be free.”

Individual users can choose who to give an item to and arrange the handover. There is also a Facebook group and a mobile application is currently under development.

Freegle is also taking a stall at Ullswater Community College’s open afternoon on Thursday, September 29. The group is free to join at www.PenrithEdenFreegle.org.uk. Or call Chris direct and ask him to list an item on 01931 713240.

First published at 11:25, Tuesday, 20 September 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk