Gumtree announced an new alliance with Planet Ark Environmental Foundation to support a national circular economy, educate Australians on its benefits, and drive the adoption of more sustainable consumer practices.
The circular economy is an innovative system for rethinking the way products and services are used for the benefit of society, the environment and business.
In this system, waste and pollution are designed out, products and materials are kept in use, and natural systems are regenerated.
Gumtree and Planet Ark’s interest in a circular economy
The mutual partnership will see Australia’s favourite online marketplace amplify Planet Ark’s sustainability expertise while helping to educate Australians on the financial benefits of trading within the circular economy.
According to research by PWC, by adopting a circular economy model, Australia has the potential to generate $1,860 billion in direct economic benefits over 20 years and save 165 million tonnes of CO2 per year by 2040.
The collaboration of Gumtree and Planet Ark aims to demonstrate how trading pre-loved, unused and unwanted items will allow Australians to reap the financial benefits of the circular economy while making more sustainable choices.
Gumtree Australia MD, Mark Kehoe, “We’re thrilled to join forces with Planet Ark as a first step in affirming Gumtree’s role within the reuse phase of the circular economy.”
“For over 14 years we’ve been helping Australia uptrade to a better life, and now 7 million people use Gumtree every month to successfully embrace responsible living, conscious consumerism and quality choices.”
“As Australia’s most trusted environmental organisation, Planet Ark’s support validates our commitment as a business to be a growing force for good.”
“Gumtree places the future of the planet and the experience of our communities at the centre of its model, and the business decision to work alongside Planet Ark is no exception.”
“Through integrated planning and teamwork with the industry’s leading environmental organisation, we hope to build a more sustainable Australia.”
What is expected of the Gumtree and Planet Ark Environmental Foundation partnership?
The partnership will further the understanding of the environmental benefits of reusing and repairing goods, while encouraging consumers to adopt a positive behavioural shift towards eco-friendly decision making which have significant financial benefits.
Gumtree will also work with Planet Ark to ensure it is operating at its most sustainable level.
Planet Ark CEO, Paul Klymenko, said: “It’s fantastic to see a business as well-loved as Gumtree commit to educating Australians on how they can adopt more sustainable practices through engaging with the circular economy via their reuse platform.”
“The systemic change required for us to build a more sustainable society and economy in Australia and beyond will happen with the type of leadership Gumtree is displaying.”
“Gumtree is also helping us educate more people on the benefits of the circular economy, so it’s a win for both of us and all Australians.”
With circular trading forecast to grow, there’s never been a better time for Australians to reap the financial and sustainable benefits of buying and selling pre-loved items.
