This post over at Dirt and Soundwaves caught my attention. I’m familiar with the idea of shared transportation – particularly those modes popular in many European towns – but the notion of extending the concept to embrace lawn mowers, tools, and the like is definitely attractive.
Unfortunately, as Mikhail points out, before the United States could be convinced to ease up on individual ownership and move towards rentals or shared ownership, the price issue – renting is less cost effective than outright purchase – would have to be addressed. If demand for rentals were to increase, however, this discrepancy could be remedied by decreasing rental price.
Of course, this shift requires more than a pinch of pragmatism. In our individualistic and increasingly urban society, we may have to begin by introducing ourselves to our neighbors.
1 comment:
re: "Your points regarding rent/purchase "market distortions in prices" are valid and will need to be addressed. If the interest in renting were to increase, the prices could be lowered. This would help."
Cross-posting from my blog:
I think that's exactly the reason why car-sharing is catching on in most big North-American cities (as well as Europe); because it costs less than owning a car.
But for anything else than a car - or even for a car if you need it every day to go to work - renting/leasing/sharing is not cost effective, which encourages over-consumption.
In short: I agree with you.
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