There is thought to be over £3.5 trillion worth of idle human and physical resources in the world. From empty rooms and spare seats in cars to over-purchasing food and storing useful tools.

Global Sharing Week takes over the world from 16th-22nd June 2019, and sharing is simpler than you think.

To give you some inspiration, here’s a pick of our favourite sharing platforms that you can try today!

  1. Airbnb

We thought we’d ease you in gently with this one. Airbnb allows you to rent rooms or homes across the globe. Much like traditional hotel searching, you pop in the location and dates you wish to stay, and you’ll be shown some unique places.

What about a cob cottage in Canada, an underground hygge in the US or this medieval looking home in Italy?

In some rentals, you’ll have the place to yourself, but on other occasions, you’ll share the space with the host.

If you do end up sharing with the host, they may even share knowledge and tours with you, too.

Find unique places to stay in far-flung locations with Airbnb
  1. Turo

Do you have a car which sits parked for lengthy periods of time? Why not add your motor to Turo and let it pay for itself! Owners can gain from their vehicle which would otherwise be sat stationary, and borrowers can find the perfect car for their journey!

How about this classic Porsche 346 Speedster which we found in London, or this Mercedes-Benz CLA available in Cheshire?

What’s more, owners are covered with £20 million liability insurance from Allianz.

  1. Liftshare

You didn’t think we’d list some of the best sharing platforms and not mention Liftshare, did you?

Liftshare matches passengers with drivers heading in the same direction. Whether it’s a regular commute or a trip to a festival, we want to help drivers fill their empty seats. By doing so, our average regular sharers cut their carbon footprint by 10%, save over £1000 a year and arrive at their destination happier.

For a taster, check out the journeys Global Sharing Week founder, Benita Matofska, is looking to share during her ‘Generation Share’ book tour.

Travel Happy with Liftshare
  1. Borroclub

Using your lack of tools as an excuse to avoid that job you’ve been meaning to do? Or perhaps you want to give photography a go before you invest in a top of the range DSLR? Sounds like you need to check out Borroclub!

Lenders add their available items for borrowers to rent. You can even request specific items on the site.

We spotted everything from an extendable chimney brush to a wedding dress!

  1. Borrow My Doggy

Award-winning Borrow My Doggy enables owners to list their pooches for borrowers to spend time with. The service enables anything from evening cuddles, lunchtime walkies, or even dog and/or housesitting!

For the borrowers, it means worthwhile time with a dog which they otherwise may not have, due to tenancy restrictions, for example.

Borrow My Doggy even gives you some tips for the areas you’re borrowing in. For example, the best places to go on a dog walk and canine-friendly restaurants.

Meet a good boy (or girl) with Borrow My Doggy

6. Community Sharing Hub

Local councils have become more and more aware of the sharing economy, and the wealth of opportunity tapping into its resources can provide.

Councils, such as Norwich City have developed Community Sharing Hubs. Norwich based Lumi gives users access to anything from spaces to skills, ‘stuff’ to activities and more! Some things are available to rent, but others can be borrowed for free! Have you checked to see what’s available locally to you?

Norwich, home of Liftshare HQ, is the UK’s first Sharing City.

  1. Olio

We don’t know about you, but all this sharing talk has worked up an appetite! Hungry too? Take a look at Olio, which is designed to reduce food waste. Users are able to list unwanted food items and browse free items available to pick up in their area – a bit like a neighbourhood food bank.

It seems like Olio are branching out from food, with a ‘non-food’ and ‘wanted’ sections too.

Don’t let food go to waste with Olio

If our top 7 didn’t tickle your fancy, there’s still something for everyone. Head over to JustPark, for their handy tool to find the sharing economy business for you!

Which platform will you check out this Global Sharing Week? Drop us a tweet or post on Facebook, we’d love to hear from you!

Author Laura Watling

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