Please “Like” their Facebook page. They were recently left out of the SF Chronicle’s Pink Section that covers independent Bay Area radio (!), and can really use support from the community. Their goal is 500 Likes by April 1 and they are only at 164 as of today. https://www.facebook.com/pages/KWMR-West-Marin-Community-Radio/258941620803106
Yesterday I updated our rules documents at Yahoo Groups and at the marincountyfreecycle.org pages. See them here. Scroll to the bottom of the page to download the printable version.
Dear Members,
Very recently, a bed was gifted to a member who posted a wanted message for furniture. It turns out that the bed was in bad condition, and it may also have been infested. I’m still working on getting the details of this, which seems to have involved 3 different parties. In the meantime, I’m going to suspend Offers and Wants for beds until 4/30/11. This will also apply to bed linens, comforters, and pillows. Sorry if this causes an inconvenience, but I feel it’s necessary to take a step back on these items right now.
This incident has also brought up a few reminders that I want to share.
Giving vs. dumping
As wonderful as it is that our group lessens the burden on our local landfill, let’s be honest… some things belong in the dump! Let’s not use ANY freecycle group to offload an item because it’s a hassle to transport and pay a fee when that item has no life left in it, or even worse, is infested.
Inspection at pickup is really important
Not every item requires a top to bottom inspection, but certain items do. Furniture, especially mattresses of all kinds, clothing, and even strollers or other child items, should be at the top of everyone’s scrutinization list. Yes, we’re all in a big giant hurry these days, but please remember to take the time to really look at that item before you drive off with it.
Sometimes, it’s okay to walk away empty-handed
Every member of this group needs to remember that all MarinFreecyclers have the right to walk away from the pickup empty-handed. Free is free, but some items should not be going home with you. Use your common sense on this one. If you have a doubt, leave it. It’s just one those things that you’ll know when you see it.
Ask for an advance look
Is the item so large that you will have pay for transport and moving costs? Or even enlist a friend’s help? It’s worth asking to see the item first before you commit to pickup. Yes it sounds like a big hassle, but it could save a lot of time and angst in the long run for both the gifter and giftee.
Thanks for taking time to read this note. I’m posting this at my blog too, so if you’d like to send a comment or continue this conversation, please go to http://www.marincountyfreecycle.org/wp/
Have a wonderful Earth Day tomorrow!
Nicole
Moderator
The “Original” MarinFreecycle at Yahoo Groups
I like having a yellow book directory around in case my internet connection goes down and I actually have to look up a phone number, but I don’t need the scores of directories that seem to come year round. Ran across a site today where I can opt-out of receiving them, and wanted to pass this info on. The site was developed by the Yellow Pages Association and the Association of Directory Publishers. They recognize that most people use the internet to look up numbers, so opting out of receiving directories can keep them out of landfills. Opt out here.
Do you have a success story you’d like to share? You are welcome to share it here. 
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