Bed-Stuy Freecycles

In a once-abandoned lot on Walworth Street and Dekalb Avenue, there is a makeshift tent built from a series of metal poles and giant tarps flapping wildly in the brisk November wind. 

The lot is a store, and inside the tent you'll find everything: Books, produce, socks, old posters, you name it. Everything you can imagine is in the store, except a roof, a cash register... and an owner.

It's the Brooklyn Free Store, and they promote "freecycling," whereby unwanted items are bought and sold for free, in effort to reduce waste in landfills. The store opened in July by In Our Hearts, an organization based in Bed-Stuy.

"This morning someone brought in a couple of laptops," one shopper said. "But they were gone in a few hours."

There is no one around to monitor the store, but since the space is without rules or regulations, who cares?

"There is no one in charge and yet everyone's in charge," said Thadeus Umpster, one of the founders of In Our Hearts. Umpster, who has lived in Bed-Stuy for the last nine years, said a few of his neighbors visits the store daily to replenish merchandise and help with maintenance.

Customers take whatever they want, as much as they want, no questions asked. This includes no longer wanted, old or new items. Whether it is a pair of shoes one size too small, ill fitting furniture, or an extra chess set, the Brooklyn Free Store stands behind the adage that one person's trash is another's treasure.

Freecycling is growing in popularity, with people of every cultural, social or political background finding their own reasons to participate.

"It's an alternative to capitalism," said a member of In Our Hearts who prefers to remain anonymous.  "It's anarchist run, which a lot of people think is impossible. But it works well."

"It's a great asset for the neighborhood and the community, especially during these economic times for people who don't have jobs or don't have housing," said Robert, 52, of Bed-Stuy.

When the store first opened this summer, it held several events, including documentary screenings and live music; it became a popular neighborhood hang-out. Now, in late November, heavy winds and dropping temperatures have forced customers to seek indoor venues.

Meghan O'Byrne, of In Our Hearts, admits to being unsure about the upcoming months, but she remains optimistic.

"It hasn't snowed yet, so we'll see," she says. "The community has gotten involved and people have taken over, which was our intention in the first place."

So, bundle up and trek down to The Free Store for some holiday gift shopping. Once it starts snowing, you may need your shovel. But with any luck, the perfect gift could be lying underneath. Just hope that  no one asks for the receipt. 

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