Stop Buying New Things: Swap, Share, Borrow Instead

Tree Hugger - Privately-held clothing and book swaps have become a very practical social pastime among friends, but now the premise is spreading into more official capacities. Sites and services are popping up to facilitate the simple concept: You can get what you need without buying it. The arrangements are manifested in a number of ways.There are sites that help to connect people with stuff to lend to people who wish to borrow. Some places, like Yoodlize, arrange rentals; some create swaps, while others create communities of sharers. And there's no shortage of creativity. Take, for example, Shared Earth, which connects people who have land with people who want to garden or farm.