Teva Ingrassia is an avid "freecycler" -- one of over 3 million people across North America who give and get stuff for free.
Using the Freecycle Network, Teva is part of a worldwide "gifting" movement in order to keep usable items out of landfills.
"We've gotten everything from the smallest toy for our son to furniture for our living room, exercise equipment, a really broad range of items," she said.
You'll find everything from clothes to electronics, exercise equipment and furniture as a freecycler.
Membership is free. Just go to freecycle.org to look for your local group, register, and soon you'll be receiving e-mails telling you what's offered, what's wanted and what has been taken.
Ann-Marie Friesen is looking for a new home for her wedding bouquet holder.
"I was going through my things and it was from my wedding seven years ago," she said. "It's not something that can be recycled, but it can be re-used."
Consumer Reports' Kim Kleman says the network appears to be catching on.
"Freecycle can be a great way to get what you need and to save money," he said. "Be aware that the flood of e-mails can be overwhelming."
Subscribing to the site's daily digest -- a bundle of 25 messages -- can ease e-mail overload. But you might miss something you're looking for, too.
"I found that a lot of times people would offer something and I would later on read it in the e-mail and it was taken away," said Ann-Marie.
There are important safeguards you should use. Like any on-line transaction, limit how much personal information you give you. And it's a good idea when delivering an item to arrange to meet in a public place instead of your home.
Our tip for successful freecycling? Make your first posting something to give away.
"It makes me feel good to be able to give something back to people who may not be able to buy those items or have those items," said Ann-Marie.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen
