Rachel Botsman

Collaborative consumption is the set of those resource circulation systems in which consumers both “obtain” and “provide”, temporarily or permanently, valuable resources or services through direct interaction with other consumers or through a mediator. It is sometimes paired with the concept of the “sharing economy”.[1][2] Collaborative consumption is not new; it has always existed (e.g. in the form of flea markets, swap meets, garage sales, car boot sales, and second-hand shops).[3][4]

In 2011, collaborative consumption was named one of Time magazine’s 10 ideas that will change the world.[5]