Sustainability platform sees 235% increase in new users

Sustainable parenting platform YoungPlanet saw a 235% increase in app signups in the first five months of 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. The app is used by families across the UK to give and receive used children’s items for free; Parents help avoid unnecessary landfill waste.

The number of app users has now passed the 120,000 mark, and the app usually lists 3,000 children’s items at a time. So far over 30,000 children’s items have found a new home through YoungPlanet since its launch in 2019 and it has helped UK families save over £1million on parenting and children’s items.

The influx of growth comes as more families across the country are looking for new ways to cope with unprecedented increases in the cost of living, particularly looking for solutions that are both environmentally friendly and immune to inflationary pressures.

YoungPlanet offers a free, “cashless” platform based on a sharing economy model. Parents can list or request a number of different items for children; from books and clothes to toys and baby equipment. The app incentivizes a circular system of sharing; Prioritizing those who have donated more items in the past so parents are motivated to become as sustainable as possible.

Jason Ash, co-founder of YoungPlanet, comments:

“The increasing 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 the items they need more sustainably. The circular economy is inherently immune to price increases and inflation, meaning families can source quality goods without having to spend a fortune.

“By helping parents lower their costs while reducing the environmental impact of their waste, we’re working to build a community of sharers who can support others to become more environmentally and financially conscious.”