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The Cycle of Stuff
April 21, 2006

We buy it, receive it, use it, organize it, store it, archive it, throw it away, give it away, sell it, and start all over again. In this featured idea, Jeanne Kuntz shares her garage "sailing" experiences, and we give you a few resources for finding free stuff and re-using other stuff.

Garage “Sailing”
by Jeanne Kuntz

As an environmentalist, I have found that garage sales are a great way to satisfy our natural craving for new forms and objects, while minimizing the damage to planet earth.
  
At the heart of garage sale karma is the idea of energy exchange. In this form of commerce, one person releases things that no longer serve them and another person obtains things that they genuinely want or need at a reduced price.  Everybody wins!
 
Before starting out, I set an intention as if I were going shopping at the mall. What do I want or need? Exercise clothes?  A 4-cup coffee maker? Some fancy stationery? I also remain open to the possibility of unexpected gifts from the Universe.
 
Bicycle travel is far superior to using a car. I obtain the health benefits of exercise along with my shopping trip.  The bicycle also affords the easiest way of covering ground quickly while allowing the convenience of quick stops for reading Garage Sale or Moving Sale signs posted at intersections.  A car has less manueverablility, and sudden stops would endanger other vehilcles.  Also,in residential areas, parking space is often tight, giving bicyclists a distinct advantage.

Because my carrying space is limited (my back pack and a basket on the front of my bike) I am very selective in choosing my purchases.  I must be able to answer the question “Do you REALLY need or want this?” with an unequivocal “YES” before I make the final transaction.

Repartee with the “retailers” has been one of the unexpected treasures of Garage Sailing. They are often contemplating a move or changing careers or hobbies and love to share their stories. Through my weekly trips in near-by neighborhoods, I have been enriched by the eccentric, comical, artistic, and genuinely friendly people that inhabit my community.

Jeanne Kuntz, of Los Angeles, incorporates recycled paper, jewelry, and found objects into her card line, Reincardination.
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Stuff Resources
compiled by Julie Glaser

The Freecycle Network
Started in Tucson, AZ, Freecyle is made up of 3,473 communities - and over two million members - across the globe. People connect via email, posting items they want and offering items to be picked up. Items go quickly and range from furniture, in all conditions, to animals, books, computers and more. Membership is free.
 
The Free Store
Unfortunately there’s not one in every neighborhood but Williamsburg in Brooklyn is lucky enough to have one. Started by artist Jessica Baldwin in 2001, she pays the rent by subletting part of the space to artists. Written about in the New York Times (April 24, 2005) and Alternet.org.

ReadyMade Magazine
ReadyMade calls itself “A Bimonthly Magazine for People Who Like to Make Stuff.” Literally, that is true, but it’s so much more. Chandeliers made out of paper clips, hooks made from orange juice containers and lawn furniture made out of pallets are just a few of the wacky projects featured. I read it from cover to cover, and even though I’ve never made a thing from it, it gives me a happy feeling inside. Free trial issues available.