Sustainable parenting platform, YoungPlanet, has seen a 235% increase in app sign-ups during the first five months of 2022, compared to the same timeframe in 2021. The app is used by families across the UK to give and receive pre-used children’s items for free; helping parents to prevent unnecessary landfill waste.
Who are YoungPlanet?
YoungPlanet is a platform and app designed to “declutter, give joy, save the planet…and it won’t cost a penny”. The app was founded by parents to address the inherent waste, product obsolescence and cost of raising children as well as to help declutter modern homes and keep things out of landfill. YoungPlanet isn’t subject to any inflationary pressure, and the app is available to use in every UK postcode.
YoungPlanet combines transactional functionality with sharing economy principles. Users list unwanted items on the app or look for items they may want or need. In the latter case, they make contact with the ‘giver’ and exchange messages to arrange the exchange either in person, at a drop off location, or via post or courier. Everything is always given and received for free.
The Growth of the YoungPlanet App
App users have now surpassed 120,000 and there are typically 3,000 children’s items listed on the app at any one time. So far, over 30,000 children’s items have found new homes through YoungPlanet since its launch in 2019 and it has helped British families save over £1 million in parenting and children’s items.
The influx of growth comes as more families across the country are seeking new ways to mediate the unprecedented rise in the cost of living, and are specifically looking for solutions that are both green and immune to inflationary pressures.
YoungPlanet provides a free, “cashless” platform based on a sharing economy model. Parents can list or request a range of different children’s items; from books and clothes, to toys and baby equipment. The app incentivises a circular system of sharing; prioritising those who have donated more items in the past, so that parents are motivated to become as sustainable as they can be.
Jason Ash, co-founder of YoungPlanet, comments:
“The rise in demand for sustainable solutions like ours is partly due to the rising cost of living, but also because families want to do more for the planet. Our platform is committed to helping families source items they need in a more sustainable way. The circular economy is by nature immune to price hikes and inflation, meaning that families are able to source quality goods without having to spend a fortune.
“By helping parents cut their costs, whilst reducing the environmental impact of their waste, we’re working to build a community of sharers that can support others in becoming more environmentally and financially conscious.”
The YoungPlanet app is available from the App Store and Google Play Store to download for free. To find out more, visit youngplanet.com
