The equation is really cool. I recently searched for some stats to support the collaborative consumption/sustainability argument, but couldn’t find anything (and I checked with the sources who would know). I think it would be worth the time of a Getaround, Relay Rides, Zipcar, Ridejoy, Zimride, etc. to put some numbers together, but even then, it would only speak to the transportation sector of collaborative consumption

Someday perhaps Rentcycle will have numbers for product rental, the others above for transportation, Chegg for textbook rental, etc. I know Rachel Botsman’s “What’s Mine is Yours: The Rise of Collaborative Consumption” cited the impact Netflix had in terms of taking drivers off the road to Blockbuster, with the related CO2 reduction stats. Would love to see some research into this all comes together for collaborative consumption as a disruptive movement. That would be a super bad-ass infographic. =)

A more contemporary character related to Malthus is Paul Ehrlich (indeed, one of the most prominent Neo-Mathusians). I think an interesting way to look at what collaborative consumption brings to the table is by examining Ehrlich’s I=PAT equation, that is, (environmental Impact) = (Population) x (Affluence) x (Technology). Collaborative consumption efforts then impact the Affluence term by requiring less production of goods to satisfy the same level of consumption, e.g., lowering the overall number of power drills sold or cars needed to serve the population. It’s possible that there is also some impact on the Technology term; for example, one could argue that a local/virtual delivery system for goods and services contributes to lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

It’s also interesting to note that what Malthus means by vice (in “misery and vice”) is something along the lines of contraception and prostitution (as opposed to procreation).

I am a student from Germany writting my bachelor thesis on collaborative consumption and the role of trust and I would love to interview you about your perception of this movement! It would be great if you could send me an email (f.pick@zeppelin-university.net) so we could arrange something.

David Dalton: I think this is a very valid idea. It sucks to acknowledge it, but our choices as consumers are now far more powerful than our votes. THEY bought the system and made it that way. Now let’s use it against them. In addition to trading only with ourselves, coordinated boycotts also would be useful. Pick an evil company, take it down, then pick another.

Ben Cacchione: Totally agree, with some caveats:

1) even if it works perfectly, it won’t solve everything – it’s not the sole answer, but I think it’s an important part of the answer.

2) there is much work still to be done (PR work, largely, i suppose) before there are enough consumers on board to be sufficiently effective. Sadly, the “99%” who are active & confident about their course of action and willing to make tiny sacrifices to further the cause are, of course, far less than 99% of the population.
2 hours ago · Like

I’m really drawn to collaborative consumption as a way to use innovation to reduce waste. It’s about the most disruptive concept out there, and one that is very, very easy to implement these days with new Internet products.