The Sharing Economy: Reduce Waste and Save Money

Are you taking on a home improvement project or a new hobby this spring? Don’t race to the store to purchase new and expensive tools or equipment you may just use once. Instead, consider borrowing or renting tools and equipment you may need from neighbors, friends or other sources. Thanks to many new online platforms, the “sharing economy” is gathering steam and it is easier than ever to share resources and tools within the community.
Pooling resources not only builds community ties, it also conserves resources, saves money and, in some cases, can make you money!  Here are just a few examples of the types of items locally available for sharing, and where to find them:
HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND TOOLS:

• BOOKS at Denver Public Library (DenverLibrary.org). This option isn’t new, but Denver’s library system offers a great way to rent, rather than purchase new books.
  
• VARIOUS HOUSEHOLD ITEMS at Fluid Market (FluidMarket.com). Fluid Market is a new sharing app that allows Denver residents to rent items from one another, ranging from camping equipment to food processors to folding tables.§  TOOLS at Denver Tool Library (DenverToolLibrary.org). From air compressors to pruners to hard hats, the Denver Tool Library stocks over 2,500 tools that are available for rent by members.

TRANSPORTATION AND RECREATION: 

• CARS with eGo CarShare (CarShare.org). eGo CarShare lets you rent a car, truck or van for as little as 15 minutes or as long as several days, depending on your needs.
  
• BICYCLES with B-cycle (denver.bcycle.com). With over 80 stations and 700 bicycles in Denver, B-cycle offers a convenient way to commute or otherwise get around town on two wheels.§  BICYCLES AND SNOW EQUIPMENT with Spinlister (Spinlister.org). Not ready to invest in a new bike or pair of skis? Or, expecting some guests from out of town? This website lets you rent bicycles, snowboards, skis and even surfboards from your neighbors for the day, or by the week.

Opportunities for sharing and borrowing are evolving every day, so think of these resources as a springboard for saving money and reducing waste. Keep an eye out for new ways to share resources and maybe you’ll meet a neighbor or two along the way. 
For additional information on Denver Recycles’ programs and other waste reduction ideas, visit DenverGov.org/DenverRecycles or call 311 (720-913-1311).