Summary
Neil has a cupboard full of old junk, but he’s having trouble knowing what to do with it. Feifei suggests he freecycles it. What will Neil do? And what exactly is freecycling? Learn how to use this word with us.
Transcript
Feifei
Are you OK, Neil?
Neil
Just clearing out this cupboard, Feifei. It’s full of old junk.
Feifei
Ooh, what a lot of stuff. Is that a… gorilla arm?
Neil
Yes, that was a fun project.
Feifei
Interesting.
Neil
Ooh, this is the microphone I recorded my first masterpiece with. Bit dusty. I wonder if it still works? Or maybe I should sell it? Who would buy it?
Feifei
Neil.
Neil
Yes?
Feifei
I have the perfect solution for you. Why don’t you freecycle it?
Neil
That’s a good idea. I exchange a microphone… for a bicycle, right?
Feifei
No. You give it away. You give it to someone for free. It’s another way of recycling. There are websites that help match you to people who want these things.
Neil
Free… recycle. Freecycle. Yes, I like the idea. But I would like a free bicycle even more!
Feifei
Let’s listen to these examples.
Examples
When we installed our new kitchen, I freecycled all the old pots and pans.
I was going to buy a big, shiny monitor for my computer, but then I found someone was freecycling their old one. Win win!
Our apartment is tiny and my bike was taking up so much space. I couldn’t face all the effort of selling it, so I just freecycled it. Easy.
Neil
You're listening to The English We Speak from BBC Learning English. The expression we're looking at in this programme is 'freecycle'. So, do you freecyle, Feifei?
Feifei
Sure. I did a big clear out last year and freecycled lots of stuff. Felt great! Anyway, what are you doing with that old microphone?
Neil
You know, I feel kind of attached to it. I might just keep it for now.
Feifei
Your choice. What about the other stuff?
Neil
Well, I do like this gorilla arm. Might need it for a party one day. And this old VHS player could be useful. And I couldn’t possibly get rid of this lovely old coat. Lots of memories…
Feifei
I don’t think you’re going to freecycle any of it, are you?
Neil
Not quite yet. Though I wouldn’t mind looking on some of those freecycling websites. See if I can pick up any more antique microphones.
Feifei
But you have no space left in the cupboard!
Neil
Haha, we’ll see. Bye for now.
Feifei
Bye.