Using digital technology, the concept of resource sharing has been adapted by various industries to create a more sustainable economy. Not only can sharing resources help customers and businesses cut costs, but there are also many positive attributes from a social and environmental standpoint. Here are three ways in which technology has enabled people to share resources more efficiently.
Computing Resources
When it comes to computing, sharing resources often refers to accessing data, information, and devices remotely over a network. In addition to this, people with spare processing power can share their resources for the common good. The well-documented SETI@home is an example of how a voluntary contribution project can harness spare processing power to achieve a common goal. Although the project stopped sending out new work in 2020, SETI@home attracted over 5.2 million volunteers. Other projects include LHC@home, which is utilized by physicists to explore particle physics, and climateprediction.net, which is designed to predict the Earth’s climate up to 2080 and test climate models. Besides research purposes, there are niche projects that help groups of people help each other. For example, SheepIt is a free, community-driven render farm for Blender that allows individuals to share their computers. By sharing spare processing power, they can help each other complete large tasks.
Transportation
In the world of transport, industry giants have utilized digital technology to create services that help customers save money while reducing emissions. There are many ridesharing apps that allow you to share a car with strangers who are heading in the same direction. Not only can this reduce costs for the consumer, but it also decreases car usage and reduces congestion. It also helps conserve non-renewable energy sources and reduces air pollution. Furthermore, many large cities around the world have implemented an e-scooter sharing scheme. Pedaled as a quick and cheap way to get from A to B, using e-scooters can also reduce the number of cars on the road. Not to mention, they run on electricity which is far more environmentally friendly than gas-guzzling vehicles.
Shipping
When it comes to shipping and transporting goods, Shiply uses digital technology to provide transport services that benefit the customer, transport companies, and the environment. This transport service marketplace helps match customers in need of transport services with shipping companies that have excess space to accommodate their shipment. Customers receive a competitive rate, while shipping companies can earn extra while keeping their fleets full. Not only does Shiply benefit both parties, but the platform helps the environment by reducing the number of wasteful miles made on journeys. You can get quotes from reliable shipping companies by visiting https://www.shiply.com/.
Tourism
Digital technology has reshaped the tourism industry and provides travelers with new ways to explore the world. Using digital tools, platforms such as WWOOF and Couchsurfing can reach out to people around the world and create global communities. WWOOF promotes sustainable living and organic agriculture by pairing volunteers with farmers around the world. Couchsurfing enables travelers to connect with local people and share accommodation. This often involves a free ‘couch’ to sleep on, but it can also include cultural exchange, sharing resources, and imparting local travel advice. In turn, this exposes travelers to unique experiences and helps local businesses thrive.
