We Caught You Doing Something Cool: Freecycle - A Gift that Keeps on Giving

What do you do when you need to part with the frozen turkey taking up much needed space in your freezer? What about the free infant formula you received in the mail after the birth of your breastfed baby? Have empty moving boxes you can’t justify throwing away? Post them on Freecycle. 

The Freecycle Network is a grassroots and nonprofit community gifting movement. Made up of thousands of local groups, Freecycle promotes reuse through local gifting among members. Members have the opportunity to give and get items for free, in an effort to keep unnecessary waste out of landfills.

“Freecycle is a place to give or receive what you have and don't need, or what you need and don't have,” says founder Deron Beal. “It’s a free cycle of giving which keeps stuff out of landfills.”

According to Beal, Freecycle’s mission is to build a worldwide gifting movement that reduces waste, saves precious resources & eases the burden on landfills while enabling members to benefit from the strength of a larger community. Read more about Freecycle.

We Caught You Doing Something Cool: Mark Stenftenagel

“My marine biologist daughter gave me a book about eight years ago that made me look at things differently,” says Mark Stenftenagel, a 35-year Elmhurst resident.

That book, “Ishmael,” started Mark on a quest to reduce his environmental impact.

As CEO and principal of Oak Brook-based Whitney, an architecture and design firm, Mark began to look at how his industry plays a significant role in carbon emissions.

“About 40 percent of all carbon emissions come from construction and building use. I have a responsibility to improve that number,” he said. “Sustainability is a part of our business.” Read more about Mark Stenftenagel.