Finding Passion in a Paused World
Ruckify builds community through extending connections
As the Central Texas springtime rolled in this year, so too did public health measures combatting COVID-19. In an effort to halt the spread, Austin has limited interpersonal exposure resulting in residents spending the majority of their time relegated to their respective residences. The consequences are far reaching, not the least of which is that nearly 1 million people find themselves searching for entertainment from the confines of their home.
While it is easy to slip into a rhythm of relying on the screens that occupy the majority of the average American’s time, spending time at home offers individuals the chance to explore new activities, discover new passions, and generate new avenues of income.
As Austinites have suddenly found themselves homebound, many have discovered an unanticipated paradox of having ample free time but limited employment with which to fund activities. Although this is not the case for everyone, those who are experiencing this loss have a golden opportunity right on their doorstep. Take a look around. Rifle through seasonal storage. Check the back of the shed. More likely than not, a quick search will turn up items that have been long-forgotten. Often the resurfacing of these objects brings back memories of old pastimes, but it does not always bring back the motivation to take them up again. It’s amazing how that slack line from three years ago is not as appealing as badminton seems this summer. Similarly, those industrial-grade gardening tools don’t seem quite as useful as they did in seasons past when the goal was to grow enough produce to transform the backyard into a mini-farmer’s market.
Normally, the appearance of these unwanted possessions results in cycling these objects permanently out of the house in favor of those that are of interest today. However, these objects also represent the beginnings of a new business. On Ruckify, members can create a virtual storefront and post any number of items that can then be rented out to others nearby. This system not only helps counteract any income loss experienced by individuals, but it offers families access to any number of activities as they look to pass the time at home enjoyably.
Finances are not the only ripple effect surfacing from the spread of COVID-19. For families with children, suddenly spring break has been extended by a week with many schools considering the option to continue the school year through distance learning. While everyone waits for a decision, kids haven’t stopped playing. Rather than seating the kids in front of a computer screen to revise math problems or get ahead in reading, send their minds searching with a new hobby. At Ruckify, anything can be borrowed and shared. Whether it’s puzzle games or gymnastics equipment, the site provides access to a network of Austinites from whom anyone can rent anything.
Even for adults without children, finding an activity to pass the time is crucial to keeping moods light and optimism bright. However, picking up a new activity can be cost prohibitive, and few things are more disappointing than realizing that an investment in equipment is short lived. Instead of taking that leap of faith and shouldering the burden of expensive purchases, give yourself the freedom to try as many new experiences as possible and meet new people by investing in a shared inventory. By reaching out to others who share the same interests and passions over networks like Ruckify, suddenly borrowing that motorized tiller is more than just a financially sound decision. It is an opportunity to connect with others nearby who are interested in spending time balancing soil pH and discovering optimal crop rotations to cultivate produce. It might even turn out that they are a wealth of information and can slip in a few tips on how to eradicate those pesky insects that have been the demise of every other garden project in the past. That’s something that would have never happened were the tiller purchased online from a big box retailer.
Plus, by participating in Ruckify’s shared economy, Austinites will find themselves growing their community as they contribute directly to promoting environmental sustainability. Just by signing up on the site, individuals will contribute to the goal of planting 1 billion trees through Ruckify’s TreeProject.
In addition to a tree being planted for every sign up, one is also planted for every transaction that occurs through the app. Why trees? Among other things, trees fight climate change, reduce CO2 emissions, protect vulnerable ecosystems, and help individuals lessen their overall impact on the earth.
At Ruckify, Austinites have the possibility to not only reduce their personal carbon footprints by entering into the sharing economy, but by borrowing and lending with other locals, it also opens the door to save a little green, give a little green, and contribute to bringing Austin closer together in a moment of need.
