The lazy summer guide to earning more by doing less
By Max van Nijnatten – 4 minute read
Summer’s here—or at least, it’s knocking on the door. The days are longer, plans are shaping up, and young people everywhere are ready to get outside, create, explore, and connect. But as the season of energy and action unfolds, here’s a bold idea: what if the coolest thing you could do this summer wasn’t buying more, but lending more?
We’re not talking about big investments or overthinking your carbon footprint. This is about something simple, impactful, and surprisingly fun: sharing what you already have with others.
The rise of the lend culture
You’ve probably heard about “rent instead of buy.” But this summer, it’s time to flip the script: lend instead of rent. That’s right—if you have stuff you’re not using, you could be helping someone out and earning something back. Think bikes, festival tents, film gear, hammocks, waffle irons, or even rollerblades. Instead of collecting dust, those things could be collecting karma (and maybe even a little cash).
Gen Z and millennials are already leading this shift. Sharing is second nature—whether it’s a Netflix password, a playlist, or a cool thrift find. Now, that mindset is spreading to physical goods too. And it’s making waves.
Lending builds community—and credibility
When you lend instead of renting from a business, you’re not just offering stuff. You’re building trust. Every item you share helps form a little network of people who care about sustainability, smart living, and helping each other out.
Lending also creates opportunities to connect. Maybe you lend out your guitar and end up jamming with someone new. Or someone borrows your camping gear and invites you on their next trip. These aren’t transactions—they’re micro-moments of community.
Why lending beats letting it sit
Let’s be real: most of us have things we rarely use. The average power drill, for instance, gets used for 13 minutes across its lifetime. Why not let it live a little more? The benefits are big:
- Save space: less clutter, more clarity.
- Make money: passive income from gear you already own.
- Live your values: align your lifestyle with your sustainability goals.
Help others: especially students, creatives, or anyone on a tight budget.
A summer of shared possibilities
If you’re planning to travel, explore, or just do more with less this summer, think about lending. It’s one of the easiest ways to contribute to the circular economy, reduce waste, and support local sustainability solutions. Plus, it just feels good.
We don’t need more stuff. We need smarter ways to use what’s already out there—and people like you to kick-start the movement. With the ivault app you can start now to help your community and the planet.
So this summer, open your closet, garage, or storage box. What’s sitting there waiting for its next adventure?