Are you a collaborative consumer?

In April 2011 we wrote a newsletter article about Collaborative Consumption – if you’re not sure what that is, it’s sharing, bartering, lending, trading, renting, gifting, and swapping through network technologies.

There have been lots of developments since then so we’re revisiting the topic to let you know about some new initiatives that you might want to explore and get involved with.

• Mamabake - a cookery group where people get together once a week to cook up and share a big batch of something delicious. This started in Byron Bay and now there are groups forming in lots of other places right around Australia. Join one or start your own.

• Open Shed - allows you to share tools, sporting equipment, musical instruments, appliances and more, so if you need something you don’t necessarily have to buy it. Open Shed helps you handle the rental transaction.

• Pet Home Stay - find local friendly homestays or sitters for your pet. Still in beta but it's a great idea. At present it's taking off in Melbourne – how about getting it started for SA?

• Share your Ride - why waste an empty seat? Travel with others to share driving and fuel costs
• Ziilch – for when you want to give something away

And here's an A-Z list of collaborative consumption websites that you can browse, thanks to unashamedly creative. If you know of any others please drop us a line!