Eden Prairie Local News
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Monday, July 4
    • About
      • About EPLN
      • Team
      • EPLN in the News
      • Policies
    • Contact
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Subscribe
    Eden Prairie Local News
    • Home
    • Politics
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Construction
    • Sports
    • Outdoors
    • City
    • Calendar
    • Donate
    • Subscribe
    • More
      • Health
      • Spirituality
      • Community Service
      • Legacy
      • Obituaries
      • Arts
      • Family
      • Holidays
      • Letter to Editor
      • Listen
      • Jobs
    Eden Prairie Local News
    Home»Community Service»Free to a good home
    Community Service

    Free to a good home

    Eden Prairie giveaway group on Facebook aims to keep usable items out of landfills
    By Mollee FranciscoApril 6, 2022Updated:April 6, 20223 Mins Read

    There might be no such thing as a free lunch, but a free chair – that’s entirely possible, thanks to the efforts of people like Kristy Hymans.

    Hymans is the moderator for a Facebook group called Freecycle – Eden Prairie, MN. The private group allows members to offer items free of charge or to solicit free items from others. Hymans started the group in August 2018 after noting a plethora of Facebook Marketplace listings for free items.

    “I had the idea that having a smaller group of Eden Prairie residents who wanted to share free items would be useful to the local community and also help keep items out of the landfill,” she said.

    Reduce waste

    Today, the group has more than 1,000 members and is a great resource for people who have items that they no longer need, but still have plenty of life left in them.

    Advertisement
    Ad for Washburn-McReavy

    “I really wanted to help residents connect so that they could share items they no longer needed,” said Hymans. “The intent of the group is to reduce waste and create a strong community of sharing.”

    Freecycle isn’t the only giveaway group for Eden Prairie on Facebook either. Buy Nothing Eden Prairie has 1,800 members and a similar concept.

    Boxes and pillows and panels, oh my!

    On any given day, those browsing Freecycle – Eden Prairie, MN, might find a nice packing box, unused printer cartridges, outdoor pillows, fence panels, dishes, a cozy chair or a large dollhouse. Hymans said children’s and baby items are among the most common items listed as well as books, household goods and small appliances. The only rules are that the items listed must be free and not illegal or dangerous.

    For her part, Hymans has used the site to both give and receive. “When my family decided to sell or donate everything to travel in our RV full-time, I used this group for everything that we didn’t need or didn’t want to sell,” she said. “I have also picked up a lot of baby items now that we just had our second child. We’ve received a stroller, crib, baby swing, car seat and so much more.”

    Nothing is too big or small to be on offer. Hymans said when she received more jalapeno peppers than intended in her grocery order, she immediately listed the extras, and a few hours later, someone came by to pick them up.

    Joy of sharing

    “The community has been very grateful, supportive and helpful,” said Hymans. She hopes the group continues to expand. Thus far, growth has been all through word of mouth, and members seem to be invested in its success.

    “It really is amazing to see how much joy it brings people to share and be shared with,” said Hymans. “With more local members, we can continue the pipeline of secondhand goods making their way into homes where they will be used rather than ending up in landfills.”

    Subscribe to EPLN for FREE!
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleEden Prairie Community Foundation hires new executive director
    Next Article EPHS Spring Sports Preview: Girls’ lacrosse

    More to READ

    2 Mins Read

    Financial gifts to be matched at PROP in July

    July 1, 2022
    6 Mins Read

    Weber looks back on his 43 years of helping make a difference for Eden Prairie residents

    June 30, 2022
    2 Mins Read

    Elayath, Ganapathy, Jefferson join EPCF Board; Lotthammer is 2022-23 chair

    June 29, 2022
    Add A Comment

    Comments are closed.

    Subscribe to get EPLN in your inbox for FREE!
    Recent Articles

    EPIC grapples with transportation problems

    July 2, 2022

    Hennepin sheriff candidates speak at forum

    July 2, 2022

    Eden Prairie legislative incumbents and opponents disagree about Supreme Court decision – but how far apart are they?

    July 2, 2022

    EP water tank topped off with ‘Tank of the Year Award’

    July 1, 2022

    Financial gifts to be matched at PROP in July

    July 1, 2022
    LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

    LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are welcome.

    Send letters, which have not been published elsewhere, to editor@eplocalnews.org.

    Letters may be up to 250 words and can also include pictures. Indicate clearly that you would like to share your letter with EPLN readers.

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    Eden Prairie Local News is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN 85-4248265 | Copyright © 2020-2022
    • About
    • Policies
    • Jobs
    • Contact
    • Advertising
    • Subscribe
    • Donate

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.