An offer you can't refuse

Got something cluttering your home you want to get rid of? Or something you'd like to get your hands on - at no cost? And help keep the environment clean at the same time?

If that's a deal you can't refuse, then join the Augusta-Aiken area online swap shop, the Freecycle Network. The grass-roots network was launched in Arizona three years ago to help people trade items that might otherwise clog landfills or blight the roadways. Now it has 3,300 communities involved worldwide, including 1,600 local swap-shoppers.

Freecycle is based on the principle that junk is not junk if someone has use for it. One person's junk is another person's precious item. Don't throw away the old TV set that hasn't worked for years; someone can put it to use, even if it can't be fixed.

The same is true if you've got old furniture, clothes, kitchen appliances, computer or computer parts, pots, pans, tableware - any possession at all you don't want anymore, even pets. Post an accurate description on the local Freecycle Web site and chances are someone will get in touch pretty quickly to take the items off your hands. You may also post items you'd like to acquire - but only if you offer things to give away.

Freecycle always welcomes new members, many of whom do so much business with one another that new friendships are frequently forged. This is a clever, innovative way to clean up the clutter without cluttering up the environment.

What are you waiting for? Get a head start on spring cleaning.