The sharing app for local communities: give away, lend or sell pre-loved items

Olio is a local sharing app for passing on things you no longer need to people who live nearby.

From food and clothes to books and toys, turn your useless into someone else’s useful on Olio — and help fight waste.

Give and get for free; lend and borrow for free; or buy and sell pre-loved items.

Join a global community of 7 million Olio-ers making a difference in their local communities, and for our planet.

> Declutter your home, fast: free items usually requested in under 2 hours

> Feel good: 2 in 3 Olio-ers say sharing boosts their mental health

> Do good: Reducing waste is one of the best things you can do to fight climate change

How to use Olio

1: Snap

Add a photo of your item and set a pick-up location

2: Message

Check your messages and arrange pick up — either on your doorstep, in a public location, or hidden in a safe space

3: Share

Soak up the good vibes knowing you’ve helped someone local, and the planet

Olio can be used anywhere in the world. Join our ‘share more, waste less’ movement today!

Terms and conditions: https://olioapp.com/terms-and-conditions/

Privacy policy: https://olioapp.com/privacy-policy/

What's New in the Latest Version 2.148.14

Last updated on Jun 20, 2024

For this release, we have made some improvements to how the app works under the hood, making for a faster and smoother experience.

Content

Olio, a digital platform connecting neighbors to share surplus food and other household items, fosters a sense of community while simultaneously combating food waste and promoting sustainable living. The app's core functionality revolves around the listing and requesting of items, creating a localized sharing economy where users can give away unwanted goods rather than discarding them. This system benefits both givers and receivers: givers prevent perfectly good items from ending up in landfills, while receivers acquire useful items for free.

The platform's simplicity is a key factor in its accessibility. Users create profiles and can then browse listings within a specified radius, filtering by categories such as food, groceries, toiletries, and other household goods. Listings typically include a photo of the item, a brief description, and the pickup location. Communication between users is facilitated through a built-in messaging system, allowing them to arrange pickup times and details.

Olio’s impact extends beyond individual users. The app partners with businesses, including supermarkets and restaurants, to redistribute surplus food that would otherwise be thrown away. This partnership model significantly reduces commercial food waste, contributing to broader environmental sustainability efforts. By connecting businesses with local communities, Olio creates a direct pipeline for surplus food to reach those who can utilize it, minimizing the environmental and economic costs associated with food disposal.

The community aspect of Olio is another defining feature. The app encourages interaction and connection between neighbors, fostering a sense of local solidarity. By sharing resources and engaging in acts of mutual support, users build relationships and contribute to a more resilient and interconnected community. This sense of shared purpose and collective action distinguishes Olio from traditional online marketplaces, emphasizing the social benefits alongside the practical ones.

Olio’s design prioritizes safety and trust. Users are encouraged to rate and review each other, creating a system of accountability and transparency. This feedback mechanism helps build trust within the community and ensures that interactions remain positive and respectful. Furthermore, the app provides guidelines and safety tips for users, promoting responsible sharing practices and mitigating potential risks.

The app’s focus on hyperlocal exchange contributes to its effectiveness. By limiting the sharing radius, Olio promotes face-to-face interactions and minimizes transportation needs. This localized approach reduces the environmental impact associated with shipping and delivery, further reinforcing the app’s commitment to sustainability. It also strengthens community ties by facilitating direct connections between neighbors.

Olio's success is evident in its growing user base and the significant amount of food and other items it has diverted from landfills. The app’s impact metrics demonstrate its effectiveness in addressing the global issue of food waste and promoting a more circular economy. By connecting individuals and businesses within local communities, Olio creates a tangible impact on both the environment and the social fabric of neighborhoods.

The platform’s ongoing development includes features designed to further enhance user experience and expand its reach. Olio continues to refine its interface and functionality, incorporating user feedback to improve the platform’s usability and effectiveness. The app’s developers are also exploring new partnerships and initiatives to broaden its impact and reach a wider audience.

Olio’s vision extends beyond simply sharing surplus goods. The platform aims to cultivate a culture of sharing and resourcefulness, promoting a more sustainable and equitable future. By empowering individuals to take action against food waste and connect with their communities, Olio contributes to a larger movement towards conscious consumption and responsible resource management. The app’s continued growth and evolution suggest a promising future for this innovative approach to community-based sharing and environmental stewardship.