The sharing economy represents a cultural and economic shift towards sharing resources instead of overconsumption, promoting sustainability and improved quality of life. Factors driving this shift include financial constraints, growing awareness of excessive waste, and the realization that ownership does not equate to happiness. Examples of this emerging economy are platforms like Airbnb and Uber, which facilitate local sharing of goods and services.

1. New York
8 November 2016
The Sharing Economy
“The Shared Economy is more than just
an economic shift.”
The Sharing Economy, Page 1

2. New York
8 November 2016
The Sharing Economy
“The Shared Economy is more than just an economic shift.”
I'm in New York again to talk about "the importance of our online
reputation"... and as usual I'm staying in an Airbnb apartment. To move
around Manhattan, for my meetings, I use Uber. Both companies are
perfect examples in the 'sharing economy'.
What is it?
According to Wikipedia (which itself could be seen as a shared
knowledge site), the Shared Economy is “a socio-economic system
built around the sharing of human and physical resources.” That means
that goods and services that were traditionally traded are shared and
exchanged, creating an entirely new economic and social dynamic….
I also liked this de notion: “The collaborative economy focuses on
eliminating excess and waste in today’s overbuilt world.”
What does it represent?
The Shared Economy is more than just an economic shift. It is
also a cultural shift. People are fed up with the culture of over-
consumerism and they are realising that if they can share goods it not
The Sharing Economy, Page 2

3. New York
8 November 2016
only gives them a better quality of life, it’s also better for the planet.
There are many combined factors behind it. Here are a few:
The global recession: People are cash poor, but own a lot of stuff
and so if they can earn some money from sharing that stuff locally, it
increases their income.
Too much waste: People are becoming aware that the culture of
waste that developed over the 20th century is unsustainable. We’re
destroying our planet with our constant desire for growth and
expansion. By sharing resources, we contribute to a more sustainable
lifestyle.
Too much stuff: People are starting to realise that more stuff
doesn’t make you happier. If you look at the statistics, it’s shocking:
every household in the developed world has, on average, $3,000 of
unused items. But reconnecting with people around you, and sharing
stuff – cars, homes, tools – and services in your local community,
building new trust relationships, that does make you happier!
The Sharing Economy, Page 3