Throwplace.com Celebrates One Year of Giving and Taking

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Throwplace.com Celebrates One Year of Giving and Taking

WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, May. 3 -/E-Wire/-- Since the launch of Throwplace.com one year ago, thousands of people from all over the world have visited the site, searching for excess goods and surplus inventory listed for donation. Registered users continue to post all sorts of items on Throwplaceâfrom electronics, furniture, toiletries, bric-a-brac and parts for recycling, to tents, pianos, lawn mowers, and even sailboatsâto give away to interested takers. Each "throw" and "take" is recycled and reused, keeping countless goods out of our landfills.

What sets Throwplace apart is its ease of use and enhancements that make the site a favorite of businesses, charities and individuals who prefer an organized, efficient and discreet venue for materials donation and retrieval. Only 501(c)(3) organizations verified with the IRS by Throwplace.com are able to take items from the U.S. Charity section, for instance, ensuring the donor that receipts for goods will be tax deductible.

During winter 2005, the organization Computers for Schools claimed 50 monitors listed in the U.S. Charity section of Throwplace.com. "We place computer equipment in schools and needs-based families," says Olivia Pope, distribution manager of the Chicago office. "Throwplace is a wonderful resource for us. We can browse the donations at our convenience in search of needed equipment."

Registered users can shop for give-aways in four "throw bins"âU.S. Charity, International Charity, Business/Individual and Up-For-Grabsâand make requests through the site for listings. Donors review "take requests" in their account, selecting a preferred recipient at any time.

"When we upgraded our laser printer we really did not want to throw out our old one which was still in great working condition," said Sean Breen of Q Industries in Washington, D.C. "A local charity picked it up in a matter of days after we listed it on Throwplace. It was a win for both of us. The process was easy, and didn't require a big time investment on our partâa huge plus for our busy office."

During the last year, the site has expanded to include a Recycling Directory as well as links to green information, education and reuse resources for member reference. In response to requests from overseas nonprofits in dire need of computer equipment, school supplies and clothing, the International Charity section was added to encourage charitable donations from the international community. Business subscribers receive a listing in the Business Directory, showcasing their services to environmentally responsible and community-minded Throwplace users.

When Donna Lomangino, Throwplace founder, embarked upon building a site that would reduce waste while helping others, she says she thought "that the public would be more responsive to a commercially-marketed recycling initiative," since green awareness was minimal in early 2000. She could not find investors for the idea, so financed it herself while running her graphic design business in Washington, D.C.

"My thinking," says Lomangino, "was that if there was a way to bring together multiple aspects of giving, recycling and reuse into a format incorporating features that would attract consumers, the underlying mission would begin to take hold." It took four years to build since she couldn't devote full time to the enterprise, but it was worth the wait. "Enthusiasm for Throwplace.com has been exceptional, and I'm particularly pleased to see society embracing so many green initiatives. We continue to try and get the word out, since there is so much to give, and so many who may want and need to take."

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http://www.throwplace.com

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