[Freecycle-Edmonton] Offers: DISTURBING

For the past year, I have been part of a community called "Freecycle Edmonton." The goal of this community is best described by this blurb from the website;

The Edmonton Freecycle™ Network is open to all who want to "recycle" that special something rather than throw it away. Whether it's a chair, a fax machine or an old door, feel free to post it. Or maybe you're looking to acquire something yourself!

Example: Having Star Trek I trough Star Trek IV on both DVD and VHS, I posted an e-mail message to the group offering my VHS copies to whomever responded first. The e-mail subject heading read "[Freecycle-Edmonton] Offer: Star Trek I through IV VHS (downtown)," thereby indicating what I am offering and where it can be picked up. In the body of the email you can further describe the item, the conditions of pickup, etcetera.

Most of the time, the items offered can be quite useful; old movies, furniture, electronics, automotive parts, sporting equipment, washers and dryers, even working cars. Better to get more use out of that old couch as opposed to simply adding to the landfill, I think. That said, there are some...odd items that people post on the message board. Here's one from today;

[Freecycle-Edmonton] Offer: Nose screws, Capilano

I have 4 surgical steel nose screws. Can't wear mine anymore. 1 blue rhinestone, 1 pink rhinestone, 1 silver ball, 1 rhinestone flower. Pickup only please.

Surgial nose screws? Sweet, sign me up! Other strange offers include unfinished dog food, a package of unopened popcorn, and half a bottle of motor oil. Such items I can somewhat understand being posted, as a doggie probably doesn't care if his bag of food was already opened. However, there are some things that just don't need to be offered...

[Freecycle-Edmonton] Taken: Expired Food - St. albert

Thanks for the pick up Grace, I am glad you will be able to use it.

Sadly, I no longer seem to have the original e-mail that contained the marvellous offer of expired food. While I am surprised that someone would offer expired food, it is the fact that someone actually TOOK the food which truly disturbs me. What exactly is Grace doing with this expired food? Composting? Hoarding free (though expired) food to feed her slaves? And who in their right mind offers potentially harmful foodstuffs?

Picture included b/c the initial caption read "We eat expired food"

Maybe I should send in "[Freecycle Edmonton] Offer - Slightly Used Cat Litter," or "[Freecycle Edmonton] Offer - Milk with January 4th Expiry Date."

DISTURBING.