Why Own When You Can Rent? Bikes, Tools, Clothes, Cats?

Treehugger:

Ah, the product service system (or PSS): one of TreeHugger's favorite concepts shrouded by one of the clunkiest names. For anyone who'd like a quick refresher, a PSS replaces a product with a service; instead of paying for the product itself (and whatever maintenance and upkeep it requires), you pay to use the product for a bit, and then give it back. Think of it this way: a PSS is often an answer to the question, "Hey, do you really need to own one of those?"

There are a few classic examples: libraries, bike sharing (pictured above), and car-sharing services are all good ones, and we've rounded up a bunch of other good examples in the past. But what makes a good product service system? Read on for a few examples of some newer PSS's that also exemplify why it's better to rent than buy.

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Comments

[DrJohnnySkeptic]

Do they have a cat rent-to-own program?

[Mattie]

funny, as the owner of three cats, that seems a bit cold, renting a cat I mean. I guess if it gets a good home, it's better than a shelter. What would the payments be in your rent to own program.

[RaleighRob]

The only time renting clothing would make sense is for tuxes and other formal wear. (Bridal gowns, too.) And of course costumes. But not for daily wear.

Cats? I dunno...most communities do have pet fostering programs for those who cannot get a permanent pet. I think that's a better idea, really.

Tool rental sounds appealing though. It's quite often there's something I need to use once or twice and never again.

[MissElaineous]

I love the idea of a cat cafe. I wish there were cat cafes in every single city. They'd provide a home for a tribe of cats in each city and would be a welcome respite for travellers who miss their pets, as well as people with picky landlords. My only concern would be where the cats would go if the cafe does not make it.

As for borrowing clothing, no thank you. I've gone to stores to try things on and found "female" stains in some of the clothing. I can just imagine what I would find in clothing that someone did more than just try on.

[cucumber]

Yeah, that would be my concern too. Animals deserve a permanent home.

[Dystopic]

I like to take my cat to the old folk's home, they love her and always tell me about their cats.. My cat gets as much attention as she wants, and she brings some joy into their lives, which of often lacking. I get to connect with the elderly, which was missing in my life, due to my grandparents all having passed away when I was very young.

[Mattie]

that's nice, the nursing home my grandmother was in had a dog and a cat resident. The just roamed around, and they did bring joy to people. The dog, a lab, did belong to one of the patients. I never knew how he talked them into letting him bring it along. It was a great dog!