Getting Resourceful Online in a Shaky Economy

With the current state of our world economy remaining shaky, it is an opportunity for us all to reassess, get creative and even get a little more green. The internet is an excellent tool that can help us all be even more resourceful. I ran across a few online opportunities we could all implement. Consider these options:
 
1. Exchanging Free Stuff
“Our mission is to build a worldwide gifting movement that reduces waste, saves precious resources and eases the burden on our landfills while enabling our members to benefit from the strength of a larger community.” reads the Mission Statement of Freecycle . There are close to 5,000 Freecycle groups established in over 100 countries, the network includes the US, Canada, Australia and Japan, just to name a few. It works like this, you've got something to give away. You post an "offer" ad to your local Freecycle list. (Note: you'll  need to join through Yahoo Groups.) Conversely, if you want something, you post a "wanted" ad. What better, get what you need for free or get rid of that item that has been collecting dust. Add to that, what a great way to live green!

2. Bartering for Goods and/or Services
As a web/graphic designer, I have been able to barter my design services for a variety of things including: haircuts, math tutoring for my daughter, and free meals at a friends restaurant. The best part about bartering is that it is TAX-FREE!

Looking to barter? Craigslist is one place to start, but also consider looking into online “Time Banks” where you can "deposit" your time with local Time Banks group in order to get the goods or services you are looking for. In the United States, 27 states now list local “time bank” opportunities . Perhaps you could help someone set up a WebGUI site in exchange for some service you need!

3. Earning Free Gifts
Register and then begin performing your Internet searches through SwagBucks.com and earn points toward “Swag Bucks”. Once you accumulate enough, you can redeem your bucks in the Swag Store - merely for doing internet searches you would have been doing anyway!

4. Earning Funds on Purchases
For those of you with children, consider registering with Upromise. Once you do, then shop with any of the participating sites. By going through Upromise, you earn college dollars for your purchases -  the dollars you earn go into a 529 account set up for your child.

If you need to purchase something at a company not affiliated with Upromise, or you don't have a 529 you want to contribute to, the following sites also have other cash-back opportunities you should check before making your purchase:  Cashbaq, Ebates, and Mr. Rebates.
 
5. Receiving Free Books or DVDs
Receive free books at the same time you give your old ones away. With PaperBackSwap and BookMooch, you incur an expense for the small shipping charge it takes to send your unwanted books to someone else. (PaperBackSwap also notes it has the right to implement membership fees in the future. Currently registration is free.) PaperBackSwap offers a similar service for CDs and DVDs: SwapaDVD.com and SwapaCD.com.

I hope you found these ideas helpful! Until next month...