While San Francisco's enthusiasm for recycling can at times cross in righteousness, I admit, I ADORE having even our compost picked up at the door.
In addition to the compost / recycle love, there is a serious culture of 're-use'.
That + generally good weather = 'Free-cycling' galore.
(Think 'garage sale' with no 'garage' and no 'sale' - stuff left on the curb for a new home)
Logan can attest, I have become somewhat obsessed with 'free-cycle'
We got a sock drawer for our closet…
(OK, maybe not the cutest - but with a coat of spray paint, I have faith!)
Quincy got a new dresser…
(He picked orange for the spray paint transformation)
And a chair…
The fab neighborhood community site - Nextdoor.com - also fosters free-cycling - where very nearby neighbors post stuff they are getting rid of:
We picked up some free moving boxes…
Even got a cushy, Pottery Barn chair….
Taking it to the next level, was a physical store we found that even had a whole room of free kids stuff
We got Zoe a bike there!
But my fave new concept, was a 'Clothing Swap'…..a bunch of girls invited to bring a potluck item + their old clothes. We set out all the clothes & then it was a free-cycle bonanza! Totally fun to 'shop' in a group & best yet - everything was free.
I brought a big bag of stuff ready to purge - but ended up bringing home at least half as much as I got rid of
So while you will get the 'evil eye' if you dare pack lunch in Zip-Lock baggies, the friendly 'sharing is caring' spirit & fun of street side finds shines way brighter.
Here's to if you're not using it, pass it along!
