Planet Ark and Gumtree partner to help Aussie consumers join the circular economy
By Liam Taylor 10 June 2021
New alliance to educate Australians about the importance of sustainable consumer practices and encourage participation in Australia’s growing circular economy.
Planet Ark is thrilled to announce a new partnership with online marketplace Gumtree as part of our ongoing efforts to facilitate the transition to a circular economy in Australia.
Together, Planet Ark and Gumtree hope to support a thriving national circular economy, educate Australians on the benefits it brings and drive the adoption of sustainable consumer practices. The mutual partnership combines Planet Ark’s sustainability expertise with Gumtree’s position as Australia’s favourite online marketplace, providing the perfect platform to educate Australians on the environmental and financial benefits of trading within the circular economy.
Planet Ark CEO, Paul Klymenko, said the partnership was an important step in building the level of public support required for a successful circular economy in Australia.
“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,” Klymenko said.
“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.”
Over seven million users already engage with the circular economy through Gumtree’s marketplace of pre-loved and unwanted goods. This new partnership will further the understanding of the environmental benefits of reusing and repairing goods, while encouraging consumers to adopt a positive behavioural shift towards reuse and repair. Gumtree will also work with Planet Ark to ensure it is operating at its most sustainable level.
Gumtree Australia Managing Director, Mark Kehoe, said the partnership reflected Gumtree’s commitment to being a leader in the circular economy space.
“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,” Kehoe said.
“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.”
Look out for more announcements as Gumtree and Planet Ark look to build a movement behind the circular economy and help Australians reap the financial and sustainable benefits of buying and selling pre-loved items.
Prior to joining Planet Ark Liam spent his time studying global environmental issues, travelling Southeast Asia on the cheap and working for a sustainable property management company in Bali, Indonesia. Joining the communications team at Planet Ark, he hopes to inspire positive environmental behaviour through effective and positive messaging.
