Want to try out a new hobby this summer — but can’t afford the startup equipment? Then you’ll be glad to know that the borrow-don’t-buy site NeighborGoods launched nationally today.
I wrote about NeighborGoods when it debuted for Southern Californians last fall, letting me and my neighbors share our goods instead of spending money to buy things we’ll only use once in a blue moon — then spending even more money to store those rarely-needed things. Apparently, Americans spend $22 billion a year on self storage!
Now, with NeighborGoods’ national launch, would-be borrowers and generous neighbors across the U.S. have an easy way to connect. Want to learn to surf this summer? I’ve got two neighbors willing to lend me a surfboard within 3 miles of where I live. Curious about knitting? A fellow Angeleno who goes by kiksthegreat is willing to lend her knitting skills. That’s right — free knitting lessons from your neighbor! And if you’ve always wanted to take up golfing, another generous Angeleno’s offering to lend out a brand new set of clubs — “including a driver, fairway wood, 3-8 irons, sand wedge, putter, bag.” Watch the introductory video below to see how it all works:
So try out a new hobby this summer courtesy of the free NeighborGoods service, no money down necessary. Hey — You can even borrow from me! I’ve got the tome you need to make this season your Infinite Summer.
Screenshots via NeighborGoods
you read my mind! i was just chatting about this about how American society is about independence whereas other cultures are more about community and sharing. so it very common to borrow from your friends and neighbors, where here its frowned upon like some taboo. capitalism in full force i say.
amen to the creators of this site and you for informing us. keep it up Siel.
Comment by christine — July 2, 2010 @ 2:43 pm