Finished with that book, old toys or shoes? Fancy a replacement?
Trendspotting website Springwise.com has found a solution...
A new vending concept in the US allows consumers to give and receive items for free - more evidence of the growing movement from 'unconscious consumption' to 'sustainable living'.
The Swap-o-Matic vending machine fits inside stores - like the Ample Hills Creamery ice cream parlour in Brooklyn - with locations and items in stock listed on a website. The idea was
Creator Lina Fenequito says she hopes Swap-o-Matic will show consumers that reusing and recycling can be as fun buying something new.
Users create an account by entering their email address on Swap-o-Matic’s touchscreen and are immediately issued three credits. Once logged in with their email address they have the choice to donate, receive or swap.
Donating an unwanted item earns the user one credit, whereas receiving an item will costs one credit. Swap-o-Matic has travelled to various venues in New York, including a design gallery and a café. Details of its current location can be found on the website, which will also soon show the items currently inside the vending machine. The video below explains Swap-o-Matic in more detail:
Swap-o-matic - Promotional Video #1 from Lina Fenequito on Vimeo.
According to Swap-o-Matic, the US — with only six per cent of the world’s population — consumes 30 per cent of its resources. Inspiration to encourage more responsible consumerism in your area?