Thanks for Sharing: How I Gave Up Buying and Embraced Borrowing, Swapping and Renting

Description

In this fascinating book, Eleanor Tucker sets out a bold vision of how sustainable sharing can save us money, and lead to a happier future. What is the Sharing Economy? How can it help us live more affordable, more sustainable, and ultimately more fulfilling lives? What would happen if for one year a family pledged to share as much as they possibly can? Instead ofowning more and more stuff, what it's like to stop owning things and borrow, lend, rent and swap instead? These are big questions, but features writer Eleanor Tucker sets out to answer them in this thoroughly absorbing and entertaining guide to sustainable sharing, or as it is also known, collaborative consumption. In this engrossing study, Eleanor straps us into on her year-long experiment along with her somewhat reluctant family. Over the course of the year, with the aid of various sharing apps, they will pledge to buy as few new things as possible, instead relying on the power of sharing, lending, renting and borrowing to supply their needs. Each chapter introduces a different type of sharing into her day to day life, from the little things (food, clothes) to the bigger 'things (cars, furniture, the space around us), and shows how the growth of tech has revolutionized an age-old practice. The book contains best-for recommendations based around different types of sharing, to create an easily accessible shortcut into sharing. Written with warm and relatable humour as well as a deeply-researched knowledge of the history of sharing, this unmissable guide could truly change the way you consume.

Eleanor Tucker is a former advertising creative and features writer for The Guardian, The Observer, The Independent, Marie Claire, and Psychologies, commentating on gender, society, sustainability, tech and lifestyle. She now writes, speaks, and advises startups all over the world on the sharing economy space. She is on the board of the CBI council Sharing Economy UK, and also co-founded and chairs the committee of the Sharing Economy Global Summit. Passionate about the potential of online platforms to democratize, empower communities and help us live more sustainably, Elle advises on gig and sharing economy models - working internationally to help start-ups and scale-ups to launch, grow and thrive. Originally from Oxford in England, Eleanor was educated at Edinburgh University in Scotland, where she now lives with her husband and two young children. THANKS FOR SHARING is her first book.

'If you want a glimpse at what life will look like by the end of the 2020s, you simply must read 'Thanks for Sharing'. Eleanor is a one-woman guinea pig who dives straight into sharing everything from food to fashion to furniture - and even dogs! She makes it all incredibly accessible due to her engaging writing style, and warts-and-all reportage. I finished the book feeling thoroughly inspired, and most importantly, hopeful for the future' Tessa Clarke, Co-founder CEO, Olio 'Thanks for Sharing' is a no-holds-barred, witty guide to sharing in the 21st century. Eleanor boldly explores a multitude of sharing economy initiatives that are cropping up right now. She shares food, pets, skills and clothes, and even borrowed a tent! As a working parent she establishes the benefits of stuff sharing both to her family and the environment. Even with some hilarious misunderstandings, mishaps and a storm brewing, I came away from reading this book wanting to try sharing more regularly. The clear perks such as reducing waste, meeting people and cutting out the fat cats (plus free pastries) greatly appeal. Thank you for sharing your adventure with us, Eleanor! Rebecca Heaps, Founder, Tentshare 'Thanks for Sharing' is a very funny insight into a world of sharing that inspires action almost instantly. Told with honesty, tonnes of humour and just the right level of history, it's a must-read... and a reassuring peak into a more sustainable future. Emma McConalogue, Founder, Kesero