Aside from minimalist running, I am also a huge fan of minimalist expenditure.

I am a thrifty person.

Yes, I might have spent a thousand dollars on my Canon digital SLR camera, but I see that as a worthy investment since I’ve put it to good use and is still serving me well.

I am a huge Craigslist fan and my apartment in Washington, DC is mostly furnished from hand-me-downs. Cheap, but still functional and mostly clean.

Would I furnish my permanent residence like this?

Probably not since that would be a long-term investment, but for now, as a student on a budget, I’m comfortable with what I have.

I’ve recently started exploring and utilizing the magic of Freecycle. It’s even better than Craigslist because everything is FREE.

People are extremely active on Freecycle and are always looking to give away things that they don’t want but are useful to others.

It even helps decrease environmental waste!

When I left California for Washington, DC I didn’t bring any clothes hangers. I had left a few at my apartment before I moved home for a few months, but definitely not enough for all the clothes I had shipped out.

I need hangers but I hate buying them.

Plus, I can’t stand metal hangers. I really, really prefer the plastic ones.

So I posted a wanted ad on Freecyle hoping to get lucky.

And lucky I was.

A nice woman responded and left me a huge bag of plastic hangers in a bag with the front desk at her apartment. The beauty of Freecyle is that you never have to actually meet the people you get things from or give things to.

You can leave things on your porch, in front of your house, at the front desk. There’s no awkward moments, like on Craigslist. There’s no phone call arrangements. No money exchanged. Just go and pick up.

The place where I was supposed to pick up my hangers from was 2.2 miles from my apartment, according to Google Maps. I could pay $1.50 for the metro each way, or I could walk and soak in the lovely scenery and weather.

I chose to walk.

I didn’t realize how little of Washington, DC I had seen during the daytime until I took my walk yesterday.

I saw a whole ton of embassies scattered throughout Washington, DC. If I ever need a visa, I know where to go.

I never realized that people like lounging around Dupont Circle, talking and socializing with each other while people-watching at the same time. It was a friendly atmosphere, and I wish I had brought my proper camera instead of being stuck with my phone.

I walked past the famous Ben’s Chili Bowl which I have only visited during the wee hours of the morning after the bars have closed.

I discovered an Ethiopian restaurant that I want to try out. It looked pretty tasty.

I did not regret my decision to walk. Aside from burning calories, I got to enjoy the weather. The weather was actually pretty nice yesterday, and this is coming from a San Diego girl. I had the opportunity to find places I want to explore more in the future, and I got to integrate myself more into DC culture.

On top of it all, I got a free bag of clothes hangers and saved $3 by not riding the metro.

And, while walking to a house party last night, I stumbled upon a box of free wine glasses. I’m not a big vino, but I needed glasses, so I stashed a few of them in a secret hiding spot so I could retrieve them on my way home.

Jess wins!

Have you ever used Freecycle?

Do you ever explore your city by foot? What have you discovered?