Smart Consumption is a movement that sprung from concerns about the environmental and personal consequences of consumerism. In contrast to the recent period of excess, smart consumption challenges us all to consider the consequences of our buying behaviour, while acknowledging that simply going without is rarely a solution that works for all of us.

Smart consumption is about purchasing innovative products and services that reduce our global footprint. Smart consumption increases the ability of the earth to renew itself, helps our societies and all living things to flourish forever, and shows how we can live well within the reality of one planet. Smart consumers empower positive change; they live fulfilling, healthy, globally sustainable lifestyles.
- The WebEcoist has 24 suggestions on how to be a Smart Consumer.

BorrowMe is a part of this movement with a unique set of options for consumers to find and acquire the goods and services they need to live their lives. As alternatives to buying new BorrowMe helps people to:

     

BorrowMe allows you to borrow and lend items you have, but may not use every day. By creating a Wish Listing or a Stuff Listing - you open the door to cooperation between friends and neighbors. With Feedback and 'sharing preferences you help to ensure your stuff is lent only to people you can trust.

BorrowMe also allows you to lend items to people who have never heard of BorrowMe. Simply Add A Friend to your Circle without an email address. Keep track of items in your Activity tab.

Control Access with Sharing Preferences


BorrowMe uses a 'share preferences' feature to help you control who will have access to your stuff. In this way - you can lend your sewing machine only your friends, and give away your extra microwave to anyone. You are in control - so that lending and gifting are safe and benefits those you care most about.




Gifting on BorrowMe is a powerful option to avoid disposal of items that still have life in them. It can also be an excellent way to find something useful without paying a nickel for it.

Create a Wish Listing for items you're looking for, and BorrowMe will contact when matching items show up. To Gift a surplus item on BorrowMe you need only create a Stuff Listing and set it as 'Available as a Gift'. You can also choose with whom you share it. Screen each request with user feedback in order to avoid potential no shows and target your donation in the way you'd prefer.

Keep an eye out for the introduction of over 2000 grassroots Friendcycle free recycling Groups in local communities over the next few months - hosted on the BorrowMe smart consumption platform. If you'd like to host a local Friendcycle group - drop us an email.

Keep an eye out for our Friendcycle iPhone app later this year - so you can take access to FREE items on the go - and be the first to see new gift listings nearby.




Personal renting is a growing phenomenon, as people with valuable personal possessions look for ways to support their income, without liquidating possessions and losing access to them. For others - renting from a neighbor offers others both convenience and real savings.

BorrowMe helps you make money and supports personal renting through Stuff Listings that you set 'for rent'.

Keep an eye out for our BorrowStores™ professional rental toolset that helps you convert your garage into a virtual rental warehouse. Find customers and earn income from everything from tools to baby gear.




There are times when buying an item just makes sense. BorrowMe helps you to buy or sell items within selected groups of friends - or to everyone. BorrowMe gives you control over buying and selling in ways that no other platform has yet to imagine.

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