Going Green
By Jim Bona
(Hamilton, NY – Feb. 20, 2015) Social media is enjoying huge popularity these days. It is being used for anything and everything you can imagine. (Social media are all the places on the world wide web where people congregate in virtual communities, linked together by similar likes and dislikes, and interact with each other. You use your computer, tablet or phone or all of these to connect to web sites, read what people are saying and offer your insights and opinions for all to see and respond.) Initially, it became the place where mostly kids congregated, but now, just about everyone is “out there” on social media. Examples would be: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Flicker, Youtube, and Google plus, to name a few. Commercial sites like ebay and Craigslist abound.
There are sites specific to just about any interest. Your imagination is your only limit as to what you find on the web. A blog or web site for it probably exists. It could be pets, cooking, politics or vintage cars. These social media sites are used by people to network (get together and talk).
In the attempt to be green, there are many sites that can be used to great advantage. People offer things for sale, but more often, offer stuff for free. (Check out freecycle.org) Craigslist is another great spot to offer items and to find what you are looking for instead of recycling it or throwing it out or going to the store and buying new. Many communities have location-specific web sites, if you know where to look. One, (name of place) nextdoor.com exists almost everywhere. In the case of nextdoor, you have to be invited to join by some one who is already a member.
If you are searching for anything, you can go to these sites to let your need be known. Sometimes, in just a matter of seconds, some one will respond with “I have that. Come and get it. It’s free!”
Imagine a virtual (in computer space and time) tag sale that is endless. This is what social media sites can offer to those who want to expand their green goals of reducing, reusing, and recycling. The sky’s the limit. Offers are scooped up fast, so you have to be online regularly so you can reap the benefits. It can also be addicting.
You will find yourself frequenting these online communities for fun, even if you aren’t looking to find something or have something to give away. It can be both entertaining and chatty, which is why they call it social.
Jim Bona is recently retired and a resident of the village of Hamilton for more than 30 years. He is passionate about all things green…and a few other things too. He can be reached at: madnews@m3pmedia.com