Summary

The article discusses the joy and environmental benefits of browsing free items on Craigslist, reflecting on the human stories behind the listings and the surprising variety of goods available.

Abstract

The author of the article finds browsing the free section of Craigslist to be a mood-lifting activity that serves as a pleasant distraction from daily responsibilities. It provides a sense of green living by promoting the reuse of items and offers a glimpse into the lives of others through the things they give away. The author has personally acquired useful items from the site and appreciates the stories and qualities of the posters, such as their optimism, tenderness, and the value they place on their possessions, even when giving them away for free. The article also touches on the range of items available, from the mundane to the extraordinary, and the author's own limitations in acquiring them due to space constraints and the lack of a truck. Despite this, the author takes pleasure in the knowledge of obtaining these items and the generosity of those who list them.

Opinions

The author values the act of scanning free items on Craigslist as a way to alleviate anxiety and as an alternative to consumerism.
There is a sense of amusement and charm in the way people describe and value their free items, such as the "old hen" that "won't lay" or the meticulous presentation of single kids gloves.
The author appreciates the environmental aspect of reusing items, emphasizing the "green" nature of not buying new.
The article suggests that the free section of Craigslist is a treasure trove, offering items that range from practical (like a bed frame) to whimsical (like a box of staples), and even high-quality designer items.
The author expresses a fondness for the posters' optimism, particularly those who offer items that are broken or seemingly undesirable, believing someone else might find value in them.
The author is touched by the effort people put into giving away their items, such as arranging and photographing them, and the interactions that may ensue between the giver and the receiver.
Despite the temptation, the author often refrains from claiming items due to logistical constraints, yet finds satisfaction in the mere possibility of acquisition.

The Mood-Lifting Pleasure of Scanning Free Stuff on Craigslist

It’s green not to buy new, plus people are amusing

Everything is free at this estate “sale.” Just drop by and pick it up.

When I’m supposed to be working reading or writing or bill paying or grocery shopping or house cleaning or errand running or exercising or babysitting or audience building or supervising or organizing or learning how to be a more energetic and better person or…

I’m exhausted just thinking about the many important things I should be doing right now, which I am decidedly not doing, because I don’t want to.

But when I’m not doing those things, but thinking I really should be doing them, I become anxious. And one way I’ve found to rid myself of anxiety is by scanning the free stuff on Craigslist. There so much to see!

I have actually gotten some excellent free items from Craigslist including the lovely 4-poster double bed frame (not the mattress) that my husband and I sleep on now and a colorful footstool. But actually getting the items is not the point. The point is to scan them and think about the people giving them away. Because it’s refreshing to realize the significance others attribute to items that often seem to be worthless. Or, if they have value, it’s nice to know that not everyone in the world is chasing after money.

I’m not sure how I feel about the person who wanted to give away his chicken. He posted his advert with the insensitive tagline: “Old hen. Won’t lay.” I didn’t have the foresight to screenshot the ad, but the chicken looked something like this. Does that red stuff on the top mean he’s actually a rooster? Don’t ask me. I’m a city girl with no room for a chicken in my apartment. But I hope s/he found a good home.

A poster who definitely charms me is this person who imagines someone will want the five or six single kids gloves she’s collected over the years, then arrayed, photographed, written an ad for, fielded emails about, and possibly interacted with a stranger to deliver, which shows an astonishing capacity for tenderness.

Optimism is another quality you find a lot of in the free section. These guys don’t bother sugar coating their items because who wouldn’t want free broken pots (especially for succulents) or a dirty, rusty old chair?

A lot of people want to give away their dirt, and I suppose there are landscaping or construction reasons that others might want or need it. But what charms me about these posts is the high regard the posters have for their particular dirt, describing it is “clean dirt” (isn’t that an oxymoron?), “nice dirt,” or “a well-formed large mound of dirt,” among other things. Today there were more than 20 postings for free dirt. Doesn’t that pile on the left look already for adoption?

Here’s a person who wants you to have her old box of staples, and for that I am grateful. She also has paper bags of various sizes and colors, but mostly brown.

When I first showed my sister where to find the free stuff on Craigslist (For Sale/Free) she not only found the very same desk she’d been planning to buy for her daughter for $1,500 but someone’s small stash of twist ties, which made us both smile.

As I’ve said before, it’s not only humble stuff you find in the free section. Often there are truly fine items that people are just tired of and don’t want the hassle of selling — designer couches and coffee tables, vehicles and vessels, artwork, china cabinets, baby grand pianos… You name it.

When I find something I want, I don’t usually pursue it because I don’t have a truck and my apartment is full. But it still makes me happy to know that if I really wanted it, I could line up some movers and have it for free, which is green in addition to easy on my budget. Here’s my favorite item from today’s scan.

I won’t get it because I have no place to put it. No matter. There will be more treasure tomorrow. And in the meantime, I’ll just enjoy the knowledge that some generous soul is giving away her good stuff for free.

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