Share things, don't buy things
Think of all those things that are collecting dust in your attic, garage, cupboards or bookshelves, under-used and under loved…
Stepladders to tents, halloween costumes to old travel guides: we buy so many things to use just once or twice; to think that your friends and neighbours are scouring through Amazon for identical things, only to be left to the same rarely used fate as yours! It's madness.
Open your Ali Baba's Cave and share those little used treasures with your friends, neighbours and colleagues.
Natural resources
One way or another, everything we buy comes from the earth. But we only have one earth, and its resources are finite. Our current consumption habits are so unsustainable that if everyone were to live like us in the UK we'd need three planets to support us.
It doesn’t take a genius to realise that that’s not possible. By lending, loaning and borrowing more of our things, we can readjust the balance and reduce the strain on our limited natural resources.
99%
Climate change
One of those natural resources is fossil fuel. It's used in almost every stage of making things, from extraction of raw materials to transporting the finished goods, releasing tonnes of carbon dioxide in the process.
Building communities and trust
Sharing things is good - isn't that what we tell our kids? Whether it is with your friends, neighbours, or classmates, sharing is a great way of starting conversations and building trust, essentially strengthening your community.
Money
Borrowing instead of buying has obvious financial rewards, but lending and sharing can be equally kind on the wallet when you use one of the many clever person-to-person rental systems that help you earn an income from lending your things.
Global Goals
In September 2017, a historic agreement was signed by UN member nations agreeing to work towards 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development by 2030, otherwise known as the SDGs.
Achieving these ambitious goals will require action from governments, businesses, NGOs, and individuals alike. We can - and must - all play our part.
By making the 'Start sharing' pledge, you are contributing in your own small way to the following SDG targets:
12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse
12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature
13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning
Success Stories
565
Pledges
in total
25,417kg
CO2
pledged