What Is Olio?
Olio is the app that’s all about sharing more and wasting less. It’s designed to help people find what they need and share what they don’t with folks nearby. The idea? Don’t buy it, or bin it — Olio it! Whether it’s food, clothes, or household items, Olio encourages giving things a second life. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about building community and helping the planet at the same time. With over 8 million Olio-ers worldwide, this feel-good sharing app is changing the way people think about stuff they no longer need.
Main Benefits of Using Olio
Olio’s impact is pretty impressive. Here are some key figures that show just how much good this app is doing:
- 8.9 million Olio-ers around the world
- 156,000 volunteers rescuing unsold food from local businesses
- 63,000 ambassadors spreading the word
- 59 million neighbour pickups
- 130 million meals shared
- 15 million household items shared
- 293,000 tonnes of CO₂e emissions saved
- 40 billion litres of water not wasted
- 1 billion car miles equivalent taken off the road
- 65% of Olio-ers have made new friends through sharing
- 76% report improved mental health
- 84% report improved financial wellbeing
The Problem Olio Tackles
Our culture of overconsumption has created a massive waste problem. And it’s not just about what ends up in the bin. It’s all the stuff sitting around the house that never gets used. This waste hurts both people and the planet. Did you know that 33% of food produced globally is wasted? Or that half the clothes in our wardrobes are never worn? Plus, household consumption causes 65% of greenhouse gases. It’s a big deal, and Olio is here to help change that.
How Olio Works
Using Olio is super simple. Here’s the lowdown: If you’ve got something useless to you but useful to someone else, just snap a photo, add a pick-up location — could be your doorstep, a public spot, or a hidden safe place — and post it. Then, check your messages to arrange pick-up. Sharing stuff this way feels great, knowing you’re helping someone local and doing your bit for the planet. It’s all about making sharing easy and fun.
The Story Behind Olio
The lightbulb moment for Olio came during Tessa’s house move. Everything was packed and ready, but the fridge was still full. She couldn’t stand the thought of perfectly good food going to waste, and she knew someone nearby would want it. As she wandered the streets looking for someone to take her spare food, she realized there had to be an easier way to connect with people. And that’s how Olio was born — a simple, feel-good sharing app that makes passing on stuff a breeze.
Olio’s Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Why Join the Olio Movement?
Joining Olio means more than just sharing stuff. It’s about being part of a community that cares — about each other and the planet. It’s about turning useless into useful, making new friends, and feeling good about the choices you make. Sharing what you no longer need helps reduce waste, saves money, and even boosts mental health. So, why not jump in and see how easy and rewarding sharing can be?
