the race is on ..

We all understand the advantages with being online: it helps us save time and money, earn some extra cash, get educated, stay connected, make new friends – oh and of course borrow the stuff we need from our neighbours. But ..

There are 9 million people in the UK that have never used the internet and to me, that’s a lot of people. Some of these people are the most disadvantaged within our communities who could benefit most from being online. So we thought – Ecomodo can help – and have signed up to Race Online 2012 to do just that.

Race Online 2012 is a fantastic challenge to everyone in the UK. The ambition is to make the UK the first nation in the world where everyone can use the web. We, at Ecomodo, believe a lot of the resources needed to help people online are already lying hidden within our communities- we just need to make them visible. We want internet savvy people like you to help those who are not online, so they can start to benefit from using the internet.

Join the race: Here’s 3 ways to use ecomodo.com to help ..

1. Lend out your spare kit ..

Do you have spare gear lying around your home or office; a desktop you’re keeping just in case or old laptop? If so, why not lend it out? The first step for many is just feeling more confident using a computer, so even without internet connection getting access to a computer could really help someone take the first step.

2. Share your skills ..

Can you lend a hand and share your IT skills? Could you teach someone basic computer or internet skills; how to buy and sell on Ebay; get connected on Facebook or of course use Ecomodo. An hour or two of your time could make all the difference. Here’s some great tips to help you feel more comfortable about sharing your skills

3. Lend a workstation at your office or your home ..

Do you have spare workstations at your office that could be lent out by the hour? Would you be willing to have someone over for tea and let them use your computer? The more people can gain access to the internet the more their confidence will grow and grow.

It’s easy to get started – just add an item to lend. And if you know someone who needs kit, training or access to get online – post a wanted ad for them and help them find a local resource nearby. Go on .. feel good and help someone in your neighbourhood – get online.

Play online .. stay online !

The first hurdle is to get more people feeling comfortable being online; the second, is to help them stay online – so here’s an obvious answer. Using Ecomodo people can lend out their household products, their skills or even a spare space to earn the money they need buy the kit, get connected and stay connected in their own home.

london lending ..

We are very pleased to announce that Recycle For London have become a friend of Ecomodo. Through their website they are encouraging all Londoners to use Ecomodo and prevent waste by borrowing the things they need instead of buying. Recycle for London is an initiative run by the Greater London Authority (GLA). And with the recent launch of Boris’s Bikes  .. “Is borrowing the new buying?“

we made the glossys ..

September’s issue of Woman & Home is full of wonderful tips on how to de-clutter your life. But better still .. we’re it it too. From the interview find out how Meriel and I became friends, why we set-up ecomodo and  how we manage to run a social enterprise remotely. As it’s not covered in the article, I just want to say we couldn’t do what we do without the support of out amazing technical wizards, Simon, Christophe and Pete or our family. Thank you everyone. Now read the article and please don’t laugh too much at the photo – it is Meriel and me – honest!!

10:10:10 .. what will you be doing ?

We’re supporting 10:10:10 to equip people to make a difference! The environmental charity 10:10 has joined forces with 350.org to inspire people around the world to do a positive action on October 10 2010. On this day, thousands individuals, schools, businesses and other organisations will take simple steps to save energy and reduce their emissions. Do something good on 10:10:10 and find out how we can help.