Stretching your dollar takes on a whole new meaning as we introduce you to 31-thousand Portland area folks who are swapping items-- for free!!

In the comfort of his Portland living room, Albert Kaufman is leading a trend to reduce and reuse.

"We have an offer for a rolling, office-type chair. Someone is looking for a string instrument case for a ukelele. Someone just gave away a squirrel feeder," says Albert as he clicks through postings at freecycle.org.

Albert is one of several moderators of the Portland Freecycle chapter, one of the largest groups like it. Think of Freecycle as a giant, online, free swap meet-- where instead of throwing things out-- they find new life in a new home.

"One man's trash is another man's treasure, as well as obviously keeping things out of landfills. That's a big priority," says Albert.

There are groups all over the area.

The rules are simple:

Everything posted must be free.

It must all be legal.

And posted items must be appropriate for all ages.

"I don't think we need to be spending as much money as we do on new things and that frees up our money for other things" says Albert.

So, maybe you'll find yourself giving away good things you just don't use anymore-- and maybe you'll find yourself a free thing or two in the process.

To find the group that is closest to you-- or to learn more:

http://www.freecycle.org/about/

http://www.freecycle.org