FREECYCLING

Debbie Denmon reports

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FLOWER MOUND - Sarah Bailey said her home has become as cozy as they come, and she didn't have to break the bank to get it there.

"My husband was mad," she said. "He thought I had spent hundreds of dollars at the store, and I was like, 'I didn't spend a dime.'"

Tuesday, the stay-at-home mom showed off her free finds to News 8. Among them was a wine rack in mint condition, as well as several pictures with a wine theme that she was able to use in her kitchen.  

"I hit the jackpot with this," Bailey said while pointing out a rustic clock with grapes and a wine bottle in the design.

All the items were donated from a woman trying to get rid of old decorations to make way for new ones. Bailey said she couldn't be happier with the new items. 

She said it was time to go green, and that's what "freecycling" is all about. 

On their site, freecycle.org explains the concept, which is basically circulating goods that would otherwise end up in a landfill. 

Members of the network group in Flower Mound, where Bailey lives, has more than 1,500 members that have posted items they no longer need on the site. 

Each item has a brief description, and users can reply explaining why they need it. 

"Is it a hand-me-down? No, it's a blessing," Bailey said. 

Bailey said she has been freecycling for one year. 

She has a fish aquarium with guppies that were freecyled, and albums in her game room that make up a wall of decorations. 

Margo Brooks, Bailey's friend, also quickly became a fan of the site.

"I am addicted," she said. "I love it. It is a great way to cut corners."

Brooks has been freecycling for six months and saved thousands of dollars. She and her husband have twin boys and a daughter. Brooks said she has been able to find clothes for the twins, who are going through growth spurts so quickly that the freecycle website was just what she needed.

"I got these baseball pants, which are a little stained but that doesn't matter because they will get them dirty anyway," she said. "Also, look at the great pair of cleats, some Wrangler jeans. Actually, these went through one of my boys and now my second boy is wearing them. So, as soon as were finished, I'll send them back through freecycle."

Brooks said her favorite freebie is a white storage cabinet made of wood that sits in her garage. As for Bailey, she said her favorite is a high-dollar printer.

"I am sitting out my daughter's shoes she cannot wear anymore for a lady named Carol, who is scheduled to pick them up," Bailey said. "This is just great during these tough economic times."

E-mail ddenmon@wfaa.com