10 websites collaborative consumption

Collaborative Consumption

We’ve recently written a blog post on the post crisis consumer (read it here!). Sharing, re-using and re-inventing: We’re fascinated by the amount of interesting websites that have surfaced over the last couple of years. Here are 10 of our favorites. If you have a favorite that’s not included, please do let us know, we’d love to hear from you!

1. Task Rabbit

Post a task you need doingand state how much you’dbe willing to pay for it. Task Rabbit matches you with anhelpful individual in your Area to help you out. This site Is used lots by pensioners whowant to do a little work that’shelpful to others (USA!).

2. Freecycle

Like they say, one man’s trash is another’s treasure.

Got something you don’t want or need anymore? Don’t throw it away, just post it on this website and your unwanted object is sure to make somebody else in your neighborhood very happy.

3. Swap.com

Tit for Tat!

If you have something you don’t want, you can upload a picture of it and swap it for something you do want. You can swap items locally or internationally, you’re responsible for postage costs, but the service istotally free.

4. Zip Car

Does everybody need a car?

No. It would be totally impractical if everybody had one. Zip car lets you share cars with people in your area.

This is a green option and the way forward for sure!

5. Lending Club

This website allows individuals to get or give loans. The lenders get a little bit of interest and everyone wins.

6. Couch Surfing

This is not just a website, it’s a community. Couch surfing allows you to open up your home to like-minded travellers and in return lets you stay in a friendly home for free wherever you wish to go.

6. One Block off the Grid

This is a website that allows consumers to group together in order to get the best deals on solar energy.

7. Barclays Cycle Hire

Thanks for the bikes, Boris! Help yourself to bicycles all around town, they’re totally free for the first half hour and cost a small fee for longer rides.

7. Share some sugar

Just like in the good old days: Knock on your neighbor's door to borrow the missing ingredient for that cake you’re baking. This is an American website that lowers your carbon footprint while recreating a neighborhood community.

8. Liftshare.com

Find someone else who’s going where you are. Share the ride, share the cost and lower your carbon footprint while making new acquaintances.

9. swapstyle

We get bored of clothing easily. Instead of throwing last season’s jacket away, swap it for something you want.

10. Ourgoods.org

This is a bartering website. Upload what you have or can provide and get matched up to what you want.