Getaround

There are currently over 1 billion cars on the world’s roads, and that number is only getting bigger. According to the OECD International Transport Forum forecast, the number of cars worldwide will reach an enormous 2.5 billion by 2050. Given that transportation currently accounts for approximately a quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions and that almost all (95%) of the world’s transportation energy comes from petroleum-based fuels, largely gasoline and diesel, the consequences for both environment and economy are potentially disastrous.

Luckily, we might not have to face that future thanks to the car sharing community Getaround. Founded in the country that has the highest number of cars per capita (the U.S. with 1.3 people per car), Getaround is an online peer-to-peer car sharing service that allows drivers to rent cars from private car owners and owners to put up their own car for rent as well.

Getaround users list their cars for free, and then choose who and when to rent them out. The hourly fee to rent a car averages around $6-8 dollars an hour, but even the fee is up to the owner to decide. Users login with their Facebook account, enabling car owners to personally choose who gets to drive his/her car, meaning you can lend it to a friend of a friend, or someone trusted in your community. Users can see past ratings and reviews of those wanting to rent, and can use the information to choose whether they are comfortable renting their car to them.

If the traditional idea of car-sharing appeared risky and unrewarding, Getaround is quick to reassure that the service gives its users both the tools for keeping full control of their experience, and the financial benefits of renting their cars. Based around the concept of collaborative consumption, you can share your car, earn money and save the planet in the process. The cars are completely insured, and the process headache free. The company even provides roadside assistance day and night.