(L - R): Founders of YoungPlanet, Emma and Jason Ash.

Sustainability platform sees 45 per cent rise in users following awareness campaign

Sustainable parenting platform YoungPlanet has recorded a 45 per cent increase in app sign-ups during the six weeks of their latest awareness campaign, CirculaTED.

The campaign in question saw an intrepid teddy bear travel the length and breadth of the UK to raise awareness of the circular economy. 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.

Total app users have now surpassed 140,000, with a record-high boost of over 17,000 during the campaign, which ran throughout June and July this year. There are typically over 1,500 children’s items listed on the app at any one time, and it has helped British families save over £1m in parenting and children’s items.

The influx of growth comes as more families across the country continue to be introduced to the circular economy; a consumer practice which could make a “major impact” on reducing carbon emissions through reusing unwanted goods.

Families are also 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.

Jason Ash, co-founder of YoungPlanet, commented: “It’s wonderful to see more UK families become enthusiastic about the opportunities presented by the circular economy. Our CirculaTED campaign was all about encouraging families to embrace simpler and more sustainable ways of living.

“Rather than sending pre-loved toys and other items directly (or indirectly) to landfill, we wanted to encourage families to give them another chance by embracing the circular economy and finding unwanted items a new home.

“We hope the adventures of our second-hand bear will continue to inspire families and communities across the country to reevaluate their consumer habits and participate in the circular economy consistently.”

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily