At the beginning of the conversation, it was highlighted there is a growing trend between younger generations in sharing for life which can only enhance our collective goals: growing the sharing and circular economies for a greener, more community-led lifestyle. It was acknowledged that there are challenges involved in fitting our models into current systems which was highlighted by Jordy when talking about utilising their modern circular kitchen modules within the old buildings around Holland.

The discussion then progressed to the success stories of the sharing economy: Rebecca Heap’s company, Tent Share, saved 8879kgs of Carbon by reusing festival tents instead of them going to landfill! An incredible achievement, which is becoming more and more important to festival goers as we become more climate aware. Rebecca also described the difficulties in a lack of resources to maximise on this sort of success story: “the lack of storage and resources means this can’t be done all the time. Investment within the industry is needed to grow the sharing and circular economies.” All the contributors agreed and added that instead of thinking a big change is needed, we can all make changes on a micro level and this is what will make a larger difference in the long run.

Utilising the sharing and circular economies as part of our daily lives will work towards our overall goal, as well as the fact that many of us are unaware that we are already part of a sharing economy in some way. Carolyn from Borobabi explained that even though the US market is well behind Europe in its understanding, the sharing economy, mums naturally understand the need to share or circulate baby clothes. We all do this in some way or other, from borrowing your best friend’s dress for a wedding, to pinching your dad’s drill set when he’s not looking! It’s the continuation of this that will enhance the sharing and circular economies.

Planet - People - Profit. With the sharing and circular economies proving to be disruptive, investors are being forced to value both the planet and people in investments too and as our communities adopt the sharing and circular economies as part of our lives, it can only be profitable long-term.

A great chat from all those who took part. If you want to re-watch it head to: https://community.reset-connect.com/posts/innovative-rental-models-as-part-of-a-healthy-circular-economy-why-investors-are-taking-notice-17153347