How to Start Sharing Epically!

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Today's post is an introduction to sharing economies and how they can be used to make extra cash, save space, save money, support local economies, and grow closer communities.

What is a sharing economy?

This term is apparently highly debated, but the basic concept is that people borrow or give away from each other directly. What people decide to share is usually expensive or rarely used enough to make you pause before you just buy it. It can include loaning money, digital products, or physical products. It is similar to trading or bartering, but can also include giving things away for free.

Why use a sharing economy?

A sharing economy is great for saving money on buying new. It is also great for not wasting space and money on buying things you aren't using frequently. It can be a great way to support individuals rather than corporations. It's great to build community by getting to know people outside your normal circle.  It can be a great way to make a little income from things you aren't using all of the time. It can also be a great way to get things for free if you use certain sharing economies.

Who can participate in a sharing economy?

The answer is simple- You! Yes, anyone with internet access can be part of a sharing economy. Most online sharing economies require login information, such as an email address, name, and password. If you are part of sharing economies that buy and sell anything, you will also be required to enter payment information.

When do you share what you have and when do you use what someone else has?

You share when you have something you use infrequently. You use what someone else is sharing when you need to use something short-term. For example, our little family is blessed with free produce frequently. We can't eat it all at once though. I felt like we needed a dehydrator, since it preserves food in a way that preserves the most vitamins (including vitamin C) and minerals. When I looked up the prices of dehydrators though, it wasn't in the budget. This included used on our local classifieds too.

So I asked my local Buy Nothing Project group if anyone had a dehydrator. One of my neighbors said she had one that she wasn't using and brought it over! She only asked that if someone needed to borrow it, that I would lend it out. I agreed, and now we can eat our produce at a reasonable pace, and dehydrate the rest for later. We waste less food now, because we preserve any excess for Fall and Winter. Our dehydrator can dry fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats, and craft projects. If we ever get any extra meat, we can dehydrate it and save on freezer space and energy.

Where do you share?

You share online and anywhere in the world! If someone is traveling and needs a bike to get around while they're in your city, you can lend the one that is just sitting in your garage. They have a bike for the short while they're in town and your bike gets more use. If you need a ladder occasionally, and your neighbor has one, you can borrow it from your neighbor and not have to store it or pay for one you don't need all of the time.

Shared at:

Bouquet of Talent Party, Inspiration Galore Party Project, Nifty Thrifty Party, Inspiration Monday, Makers Make Party, Mix It Up Monday,Creative Corner, Creative Gallery, A Round Tuit, The Scoop Link Party, Clever Chicks Bloghop, Lou Lou Girls' Fabulous Party, Project Inspire, Totally Terrific Tuesday Link Party, Home Away From Home Party, Inspire Me Tuesday, Love Learn Bloghop, Share It Tuesday, Urban Naturale Blog Hop, Creative Muster Party, Homestead Blog Hop,Wow Us Wednesdays, Wonderful Wednesday Blop Hop, Homesteader Blog Hop, Wine'd Down Wednesdays,Wise Woman Linkup, Wow Me Wednesday, Artsy Fartsy Link Party, Think Tank Thursday Link Up, This is How We Roll Thursday, Simple Homestead Bloghop, What to Do Weekends Party, Pretty Pintastic Party, Home Matters Party, Friday Feature Linky Party, Friendship Friday, Dear Creatives Linkup, Simple Saturdays Bloghop, Dare to Share Linkup, Saturday Sharefest, Share One More Time Party, Create Bake Make Party

What are sharing economies you've used and what were your experiences? Share your thoughts in the comments below!