I typed in “bedside lamp” (because I need one). Two lamps were listed, then a TV, then a boat, then a 5 foot red tail boa. I typed “celeb status” and got a nursing program in Flint, Michigan. We have different dreams, Ecofreek. “Free Puppy” showed me that there are lots of found hounds in middle America. Narrowing my search to things I really need, I tried “desk—Brooklyn” and got two desks in Rochester and a roommate needed in Brooklyn. “Microphone—Brooklyn” got me a microphone in Connecticut and a puppy in New Haven. The site also searches for swaps, which seems really Brokelyn-y. I searched “resume skills” and got lots of swaps. Skills for Laptop. Skills for Vehicle. Will Trade Roofing Skills for a Boat. And, for some reason “Down’s Syndrome Books.”

OK, so maybe there are a few kinks to work out, but Ecofreek‘s heart is in the right place and we’re going to check back soon. In the mean time, we can’t resist a little plug for Brooklyn Free Cycle, an all-free, and, obviously, all-Brooklyn listserv that is as entertaining as it is helpful. Once you sign up, you get emails (multiple, daily, my one stipulation) with WANTED or OFFERED postings. Last spring I posted that I wanted a tennis racket, and I got three responses in an hour with people who had a tennis racket to just give me. Today there are offers for a scrap-filled sewing basket, $25 in coupons from Lands End and various baby clothes. Someone wants men’s cologne, any kind, and someone else is asking for a microphone and a desk (okay, that’s me). Also, all posts are moderated by the Free Cycle people, so you won’t find swinger invitations or other crazy stuff. But they don’t monitor the person who comes to pick up your half-used bottle of Drakkar (cue scary music).

Photos by Tim Donnelly

Alex Leger, 24, assistant manager at Baked, Red Hook
Got rid of: Nothing: “I heard about this at midnight. I’m just here to take.”
Walked away with: New Ikea picture frames, art prints, a piece of a glass brick wall, a large wooden frame.  “It’s a project in itself just to refurbish it.”

David Trawin, 27, Jersey City, designer for Busted Tees
Got rid of: Several Busted Tees shirts, art books, prints that were around the house collecting dust
Walked away with: A Reader’s Digest Treasury for Young Readers “I’m always kind of on the look out for old science books. They’re good for design.”

Patrick Keene, 23, assistant editor at Birkhauser, Willamsburg
Got rid of: Books and records, including the Pretty in Pink soundtrack.
“I felt like I gave some good things.”
Walked away with: A small record player and several hair-metal albums from Kiss, Quiet Riot and Night Ranger, plus a copy of Bette Midler’s The Rose (“It’s for my roommate.”)

Callann Wolff, 21, student and model, Williamsburg
Got rid of: Sweat equity. She volunteered.
Walked away with: A bingo game to bring to a a bachelorette party in Pittsburgh next week. “I’m glad that something that’s ridiculous and of no use to someone else is of some use to me. It’s Pittsburgh, so there’s not really too much fun going on.”