Celebrate Giving Tuesday This Year

Posted on November 24, 2021November 24, 2021 by Louis Watton

The weekend of Black Friday and Cyber Monday is without a doubt the commercial event of the year, with deals and offers available from almost every store you can think of. However, there is a lesser-known event that takes place after the retail weekend, and as an environmentally conscious company, it’s one we like to focus on more!

Giving Tuesday was founded in the US in 2012, and was officially adopted in the UK in 2014. It takes place each year after Cyber Monday and encourages people to counteract some of the negative effects of Black Friday by giving back in some way, whether that is through donations to charity, giving time to local community services or food banks, or however else you feel that you can help. The celebratory day has grown in popularity as more celebrities and organisations have promoted it, and last year the results were astounding; a staggering £20.2 million in donations were raised, which was not only a 43% increase on the year before but now holds the record for the most money raised online for a charity in 24 hours!

As we have written about before, Black Friday, whilst great for finding some great savings on products, also encourages people to buy things they don’t necessarily need, and unfortunately, this has some adverse effects on creating unnecessary waste and people throwing out ‘old’ gadgets just for the latest model. According to this Forbes article, the delivery of Black Friday purchases alone generated over 492,000 metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions last year in the UK – the equivalent of 435 return flights from London to New York. As a company dedicated to reducing the carbon footprint of the transport and logistics industry, we are all for Giving Tuesday’s rise in popularity and would encourage all of our users to engage with it in some way, whether you shop on Black Friday or not!

Of course, if you do need something delivered and want to do so in the most eco-conscious way, why not try posting it on Shiply to find a driving who is ‘going there anyway’?

Shiply Has Saved Over 200 Million KG/CO2

Posted on October 15, 2021October 15, 2021 by Louis Watton

We are incredibly happy to announce that, with the help of our users, we have officially hit our landmark target of saving over 200 Million KG/CO2!

Trying to reduce unnecessary CO2 waste into the atmosphere was one of the founding principles of our company in 2008 due to the sad fact that roughly 25% of lorries on Britain’s roads run empty, resulting in around 36 million tonnes of CO2 emissions every year. This always seemed like a huge wasted opportunity, both for the drivers travelling empty and for the users who needed items moved.

That’s why Shiply was started, to eliminate wasted journeys, wasted space, and unnecessary CO2 emissions in the transport and logistics industry… and we would say it is going quite well! As of writing this blog post, we have saved approximately 201,806,715 KG/CO2 – to help put that into perspective that is:

The equivalent of 506,838,942 miles driven by a standard vehicle – enough to travel around the world 20,354 times!
25,000 Homes’ energy use for a year
Nearly 25 billion full smartphone charges

We couldn’t have done it without the help of our users and transport providers, all of whom make Shiply the cheap, reliable, and eco-friendly shipping marketplace that it is today.

Our efforts to make the transport industry don’t stop here, however, and we hope to hit our next milestone soon!

If you want to keep up to date with our progress you can check out our live counter here.

The 5 R’s That Can Help Save The Planet

Posted on September 24, 2021 by Louis Watton

As a company, we are nearing one of our landmark goals in our fight against climate change, having saved nearly 200 Million KG/CO2, but whilst we approach our target, we wanted to share some tips for how you can help with your own efforts to save the planet.

Since our inception in 2008, reducing the eco-waste in the transport industry has always been one of our founding principles, and we could not be more proud of the ongoing success we see with regards to this goal. With the Paris Climate agreement being debated at the moment, and Extinction Rebellion protesting their cause in increasingly public ways, climate change is very much at the forefront of people’s minds, and for good reason – it is something that we all need to be making an effort with, no matter how big or small.

We want to take this opportunity to share 5 great tips that you can use in everyday life to cut down on your carbon footprint, with a great way to remember them too! So here they are, the 5 R’s of waste reduction:

Refuse – Don’t need that plastic bag? Refuse it! One of the simplest changes we can make to our daily lives that can have a big effect on unnecessary waste is simply refusing things we don’t need. This can also save you cash as plastic bags, for example, will cost you anywhere from 5p – 30p depending on the store. Get yourself a tote bag or packable shoulder bag and never have to pay for plastic bags again! The same is true of things like straws and packaging, just be conscious of things you take that will most likely end up in the bin by the end of the day.

Reduce – Do you really need to take a bus if you could just as easily cycle (or even scoot)? Finding alternate methods of transport is a great way of cutting down on unnecessary emissions, and with considerable efforts being made to encourage this through the construction of cycle superhighways and the introduction of numerous rental transport methods, from Santander Cycles to Lime Scooters, getting from A to B in an eco-conscious way has never been easier or more convenient.

Re-use – Quite a straightforward one, if you don’t need to throw something away, don’t! Upcycling is a skill, but one that is worth learning as it can save your wallet and the planet if done correctly. Sew your jeans up, try and fix that phone, take your broken furniture to a carpenter – whatever it is, you will find that some things are easier and cheaper to fix than you would think.

Rot – Food waste is probably the least talked about method on this list, despite being one of the easiest to do. When food waste goes into the bin it will end up in a landfill where it takes up unnecessary space, or in an incinerator that uses energy to destroy it. Instead, you can actually turn your food waste into energy for your garden! Just start a compost bin in your garden where you put all of your food scraps and wait until it breaks down and it should be the best natural fertiliser you can find. If you don’t have a garden, food waste is still collected by many councils so they can make compost themselves, so make sure you are at least collecting it in a separate bag to your normal bin – food waste bags are available everywhere.

Recycle – Do we even have to tell you about this one? We shouldn’t, but we will anyway. You can recycle plastic, paper, cardboard and even metal and glass if you find the right place. It may take a tiny bit more effort than just chucking it in the bin, but just think how great you can feel about yourself knowing you are doing your part in the fight against climate change! Just do some quick research in your local area to find the best spots to recycle.

And there we have it, 5 super simple ways you can help to save our environment. Of course, as a sneaky sixth tip, if you do need to ship any items, use Shiply to find a driver who is going there anyway, knowing that your delivery has not caused any extra emissions into the atmosphere!

Van Renovations for Staycations this Summer

Posted on July 28, 2021 by Louis Watton

Staycations

While travel seems like more of a possibility this summer than it did last year, many people are nervous to book expensive holidays abroad in fear that we may not be completely in the clear just yet. With this in mind, the humble staycation seems like an attractive option.

Staycations can take many forms, from camping holidays to fancy hotel stays. They are often cheaper, and also more eco-friendly as they reduce the amount of travel time it takes to get to your chosen holiday destination.

One way people seem to be ‘staycationing’ this summer is through van renovations. Van renovating is a new form of glamping that we are seeing pop up over social media.

Doing Up Your Van

Van renovations seem to be another example of a ‘lockdown hobby’ that people all over Instagram have been undertaking.

Stripping one out and making it liveable is obviously a mammoth task with millions of things to consider, but to get you started we have pulled together a list of things to think about when renovating a van:

Keep it simple; think about your main reasons for using the van. It’s probably going to be mostly for sleeping and driving, so build it accordingly. Having a little awning to come off the side so you can sit outside is a great idea, don’t waste space inside thinking you will socialise there.
One thing to remember is that if you are deep in a dark campsite, there’ll be little to no light, so make sure you are prepared for this. There are hundreds of battery operated lights available, from lanterns to Christmas lights which will make your van conversion feel like home. For the more eco-minded of you, solar lights are a great option.
WATER! A rule of thumb should always be; bring more water than you think you’ll need. An obvious benefit to the campervan is that you will have plenty of storage to carry it. Consider putting it under the bed or even building an aqua-tainer to store it.

While this can be quite an expensive way to do a holiday initially, the advantage is that it’s an investment so it’s there whenever you fancy a little weekend trip!

Van Renovation Inspiration

For more information and inspiration we have listed a few of the most beautiful examples of van renovations we have seen this year.

First up, we have @naturally.sassy. Ballerina turned home renovator, her latest renovation has been her ‘second home’ camper van which she travels all over the country with. Check out her Instagram for all things renovation.

Another one to watch for inspiration is @the.activ. This US-based couple boasts an impressive van conversion which they take to some pretty incredible parts of America. Have a look if you want serious travel envy.

@vincentvanlife are the King and Queen of all types of second homes. Not only have they converted a van but their full-time home is a narrowboat. Take a peek at their Instagram to see what they get up to on the canals with their adorable pup, Wilf.

Globetrotter @mitch.cox travels all over the world in his aesthetically pleasing van with his beautiful girlfriend Cleo. The pair have decked this van out so incredibly, it even has a wall mounted tv and running water!

Finally, we have little van-family @pinepins. This van loving couple travels around Germany with their adorable little boy Fete. They’ve even named their van Rudi!

How Shiply Can Help
From getting your van delivered to shipping your upgraded parts, Shiply is here to help. Post a listing here and have quotes flooding in within minutes for you to choose from.

A Guide To Upcycling

Posted on June 30, 2021 by Louis Watton

Upcycling has increased in popularity over the last 18 months as many people took on new hobbies over the pandemic. The term refers to improving, restoring or fixing older items that otherwise may have been disposed of. The finished product is obviously an improvement to the item but it is also a way for you to add your own twist and make it unique.

Reupholstering chairs with new fabric, stripping and repainting wardrobes and even using old pallets to create furniture, are all examples of ways you can upcycle.

You can find a whole heap of inspiration on Instagram. From upcycling clothes to old furniture, some of our favourite accounts include;

A Pair & A Spare @apairandaspare.com
A Beautiful Mess @abeautifulmess.com
Upcycle That @upcyclethat
The House of Upcycling @thehouseofup
A Beautiful Mess @abeautifulmess

Where to find these items to upcycle

Once you’re feeling inspired, it’s time to find items to upcycle. The first place to look would obviously be anything you own or your family owns already. If this is a dead-end, eBay, Gumtree, Schpock and charity shops are great places to find second-hand furniture and other things that need upcycling.

Advantages to Upcycling

The first advantage is economic. Not only is upcycling a great ‘hands on’ hobby but it is also a great way to recycle things that already exist instead of having to buy more. This not only is better for the environment, but also on your wallet!

Creating gifts from upcycled items is much more personal and many people are now including upcycled items in their weddings.

Making changes to your old items, big or small is a really easy way to breathe new life into old items. One man’s trash is another’s treasure has never been a truer statement.

Selling these items on

As well as being a cheap, planet-saving fun activity, selling these upcycled items is a way to make your money back. Listing them back onto eBay, Gumtree or even social media can drum up interest. And using Shiply to transport these items over to your new customers, is a further way to keep these costs down!

How Shiply Can Help Improve Your Garden For Less This Summer?

Posted on May 5, 2021 by Louis Watton

At the time of writing this post, over 50 million vaccines have been administered in the UK. It’s certainly impressive, but we aren’t out of the woods yet and restrictions will still be in place for most of the summer. One of the positives we can take from the whole situation is that it seems like the nation has come together with a common goal. The slight downside of this, however, is that everyone is thinking exactly the same things. Pub gardens open again? Book a table for the next month straight. Six people allowed in gardens? Buy every garden accessory you can get your hands on. This has led to a shortage of high demand items across the country as people look to improve their outside living space.

Thankfully, Shiply is here to help. Whilst we can’t find you that much-coveted table at a pub, we can help you to spruce up your garden for socialising. By allowing you to shop second-hand and still have the item delivered to your door, our platform opens up your search for garden items beyond standard online shops to places like eBay, Gumtree and Facebook marketplace. As many look to upgrade what they have got, you can be sure to find some great bargains for your outdoor space this summer.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Barbecues

The absolute staple of a good hangout in the garden – a proper barbecue. Whether you want a big American style gas barbecue or a more traditional charcoal griller, finding one brand new and getting it delivered at the moment is a tough task. You may find you have more luck browsing for a second hand one in the current market.

Table and Chairs

It’s all well and good having people over, but if you are going to provide food and drinks, they will definitely need somewhere to sit! Tables and chairs will get a lot of use over the next few months and so there’s never been a better time to buy yourself a great set. You could even go one step further and look at getting something like a hammock for the ultimate garden set-up.

Fire Pits and Heaters

Unfortunately, whilst the desire to hang out with friends and family in the garden has never been bigger, the British weather hasn’t quite gotten the memo. As soon as the sun goes in, the temperature drops and it often means the end of the evening as the blankets just won’t cut it. Fire pits and heaters are a great way to ensure that the night can go on without sacrificing comfort.

Entertainment

Whether it’s an outdoor speaker, a table tennis table, or even a football goal, having something to do in your garden can provide hours of entertainment for those long summer days. It might even turn your garden into the go-to spot for your friends. Did someone say ping pong tournament?

Regardless of what you want for your garden, Shiply can help get it to you. With rates up to 75% cheaper than standard, you can ensure that your bargain stays a bargain, even with delivery. Get quotes now!

Also, as a friendly reminder, please continue to be safe when carrying out or receiving deliveries through our platform, adhering to the guidelines regarding masks, washing your hands and maintaining ‘no contact’ deliveries.

Happy summer shopping from the team at Shiply!

Eco-Tips: How To Be A More Eco-Conscious Shopper in 2021

Posted on January 29, 2021 by Louis Watton

Here at Shiply, one of our founding goals has always been to provide a framework for deliveries that benefits not only the customer and the drivers but also the environment.

As a company we take great pride in the amount of CO2 saved by our platform since 2008 (nearly 173 million KG!), but, we also acknowledge that there are so many other ways we as individuals can help the environment. We’d also like to think that our customers want to help out too!

We’ve put together a little list of things to try to help you become a more eco-conscious shopper this year.

Buy Less Plastic

The most obvious, but still one of the most important ways to be a more eco-conscious shopper is to try and cut down on how much plastic you buy. We all know how bad plastic is for the environment (very bad) so I won’t hammer the point home, but here are some great tips for cutting down on your usage:

Bring your own shopping bags to the supermarket
Buy a reusable water bottle
Buy a reusable coffee cup
Say no to plastic straws and cutlery (there are alternatives such as bamboo straws) – also, dine in more to cut down on takeaway packaging
Don’t buy fruit and veg sealed in plastic – get your own mesh bag

There are many more ways to save plastic not covered in this list, so I do encourage you to do further research. Also, I will add an obligatory reminder to RECYCLE to the end of this. Really, it’s so important.

Cut Down On ‘Fast’ Industries

I’ve owned many jackets in my lifetime. I’ve also owned many bedside tables and foldable desk chairs. No, I’m not trying to create the most boring list of facts about myself that has ever existed, I am emphasising that items like these should not be bought as often as they typically are. Sure, a new Winter coat every few years is fine, but if you find you are in need of replacing one every year, you should think about buying something that may be a bit more expensive but will definitely last longer.

The same goes for furniture. Whilst certain brands offer an extremely appealing price point, you have to remember that they are able to offer this price for a reason, and that reason is that the quality is likely significantly worse and you will need to replace the item in the not-so-distant future.

So many of these types of ‘fast’ products end up in landfills either 6 months after purchase, or sometimes just as a mountain of unsold stock, that cutting down on demand for them would prove to be a big step towards cutting down excess waste in general.

Whilst the option of buying more expensively is obviously not readily available to everyone, the consideration of quality is, and this is something you can question with every single purchase you make – ‘how long will this last?’.

Buy More Items Second-Hand

New isn’t always better! Following on from cutting down on the ‘fast’ fashion and furniture industries, you can go all-out and instead decide to simply buy something second-hand! This can be especially handy when the price of higher quality items is simply too much for you but you still want to avoid ‘fast’ industry companies.

For clothing, this can actually be a lot of fun. Throwback vintage looks have been in style for a few years now, and you may actually find that often the quality and fit can be preferable to newer designs. For example, I personally buy Levi’s jeans second hand as not only is it cheaper but the quality and fit are both superior to what you can buy nowadays in my opinion.

In the same vein, antique or second-hand furniture can often bear designs and quality that you wouldn’t find in your high street furniture store. Plus, upcycling can be really good fun if you know what you are doing and the item requires it.

One downside you may be thinking is that, especially during the national lockdown, it is much more difficult to look for second-hand items that would usually be found in brick and mortar stores. However, there are so many second-hand auction sites to browse (and so much time on our hands at the moment) that you are sure to find something you like, and if you need help getting it to you, you can always use us!

Cut Down On Meat And Consider Meat Alternatives

Ok, so this one really isn’t for everyone, but if you’re like me then you have watched enough documentaries featuring a sad David Attenborough that you are willing to give anything a go. I’m not saying you have to become vegetarian, but even just trying to not buy and eat meat for one day a week would be hugely beneficial to the environment, and you may find some added benefits to your health too. Win-win!

You can have fun discovering new foods and learning new recipes to cook, all whilst knowing you are making Attenborough smile (and helping the environment of course). If you really can’t bear the thought of an all-out veggie meal, why not try some meat alternatives? You can really get everything from chicken nuggets to mince these days – it’s definitely worth a try.

I hope you have found this list useful, and remember, if you do need something shipped for up to 75% less than usual rates (and want to consider the environment when doing so), use Shiply!

How Can Shiply Help This Christmas?

Posted on December 21, 2020December 21, 2020 by Louis Watton

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, we won’t all be able to spend our time with family over the festive period anymore. With the country now split into varying tiers with different restrictions, many of us are trying to work out how to celebrate Christmas in lockdown.

At Shiply, we still want to be able to help you have a great Christmas and so have put together some suggestions for how we can help this December.

Moving Presents

If you were planning to take your presents back to your family yourself and no longer can due to the new restrictions then Shiply can help. For as little as £23 you could transport all of your gifts to where they need to be so at least you can see them opened on Zoom!

We may be close to the big day, however many are still shopping online where your purchasing options are opened up to second-hand sites and auctions too. If you have found the perfect gift on Ebay or Gumtree but need it delivered, we can help.

With up to 75% off of standard delivery rates, you can be sure that your bargain stays a bargain, even after shipping fees. Whether it is a new piece of furniture, a big new TV or perhaps even a sought after PS5 that requires an extra helping hand to get where it needs to be.

Moving Back After Christmas

If you managed to make it home from university or from where you live to be with your family, then you may need help returning after Christmas with all of your newly acquired gifts! Shiply can help with getting all of your possessions safely transported to where they need to be. You can even get assistance with packing and unpacking by specifying this in the listing. This can be ideal if your family are unable to travel to help you due to time constraints or COVID-19 restrictions.

Even if you are more local and are just heading back from your parents but have a mountain of presents and food from the big day, hiring a man and a van to shift your stuff to where it needs to be can make your life that much easier this Christmas.

We know it’s different this year, but we hope everyone is still able to enjoy a lovely festive period in whatever way they can.

Merry Christmas from the team at Shiply.

The Impact Of Coronavirus On The Environment

Posted on July 24, 2020 by Louis Watton

Coronavirus has changed the world over the last few months, with the effects of the pandemic being felt in all different industries and walks of life. However, if there are any positives to be taken from the pandemic then the impact on the environment is definitely one of them. There has been a dramatic reduction of carbon emissions into the atmosphere, a drop that has not been matched before despite the wars, recessions, and previous pandemics that we have seen over the last century.

Carbon emissions for 2020 will be an estimated 2-3 billion tonnes less than expected. To put that into perspective, that is roughly the energy demands of India for a year. World War 2 saw carbon emissions drop by around 800 million tonnes, whereas the financial crash in 2008 saw just a 450 million tonne reduction. Admittedly our carbon emissions as a planet have increased since then, but as a percentage drop, it is still a much larger reduction than any we have seen before.

The reason for this is the lockdown. With people working from home and being asked to stay indoors there was much less traffic on the roads and less pollution from trains and buses. Planes have been all but grounded for the last few months as holidays became implausible. Bike shops have been inundated with work as people look to get on two wheels to get around rather than four.

Whilst all these changes are having a positive impact on the environment for now, as things return to normal it becomes increasingly clear that this may just be a blip. Carbon emissions following the 2008 recession actually increased by 6% after the initial drop, and experts think we are likely to see this same trend continue if nothing is made of the dramatic improvements to our environment that lockdown has caused.

Whilst what happens with carbon emissions following Coronavirus is yet to be seen, it seems obvious that unless policies and technologies are implemented which both demand and enable the reduction of carbon emissions we can generally expect things to go back to the levels we experienced pre-lockdown.

We should all be aware however that environmental improvements are not completely out of our hands. As individuals, we have the ability to reduce our personal carbon footprint by doing things like recycling, avoiding unnecessary plane journeys, and walking or cycling for the smaller trips we make in our day to day lives rather than opting for cars and public transport.

Businesses should also try and make a similar promise. As a company, Shiply is and has always been committed to reducing the carbon footprint of the logistics and delivery industry in general, and our methodology remains the same. By putting customers in contact with drivers who are ‘going there anyway’ we reduce the amount of unnecessary, empty, or part-full vehicles on the roads whilst also reducing delivery prices for our customers by up to 75%.

Whilst there is still a way to go in the fight against climate change and environmental damage, there is still a lot we can do as individuals and as business entities. As always, if you want cheap quotes to deliver your items (and want to help the environment whilst doing it), visit our website and get started today!

Stat Source: BBC

Coronavirus Statement from Shiply

Posted on April 1, 2020April 2, 2020 by Louis Watton

We are now all feeling the impact of COVID-19 and here at Shiply we just wanted to assure our customers, the transport providers and our employees that your safety and wellbeing is, and always will be, our top priority. We have created this short guide to answer some of your most frequent questions about our service during this time.

Is it still safe to carry out and receive deliveries?

Following the Government’s recent announcements, the service we provide has been classed as essential and advice from Public Health England is that deliveries are still safe as the virus cannot survive for long on non-metallic surfaces. For these reasons we have made the decision to stay open as usual in this trying period.

We know that many people rely on our services both to find work and to have their items moved around the country. We feel that with the right precautions taken we can still help facilitate safe transport and delivery around the UK at a time when many need it more than ever.

You can read the official Government guidance page here.

How can risk be minimised when carrying out and receiving deliveries?

Whilst the virus itself cannot be carried by the items being delivered, there are still precautions and measures to consider when carrying out or receiving a delivery:

Request ‘no contact’ where possible. Whilst we acknowledge that many items delivered through our site are not possible to deliver with no contact, we do ask that if the goods are small enough to allow for this that you and the delivery driver arrange this through our messaging system.

Wash your hands before and after the delivery. You should be washing your hands before and after carrying out a delivery. If the item does require two people to move it, try and keep your distance as much as possible.

Do not carry out or receive any deliveries if you are a risk. If you or anyone you live with is displaying symptoms or has been in direct contact with someone who has Coronavirus then you must not carry out deliveries until your two-week isolation period is over. You should also not receive deliveries unless they are ABSOLUTELY essential (e.g. food and water). This is when we are most at risk of spreading and you should be minimising all forms of physical contact if you are self-isolating.

You can read the full NHS advice guidelines (including advice on how to properly wash your hands after deliveries) here.

What are Shiply doing to help?

We have been following the advice of the Government and as such our entire office has been working from home since 16/3/2020. You can rest assured however that we are all hard at work keeping the service running and support lines will still be operating from 9am-6pm Monday to Friday should you have any queries or concerns. Details to contact us can be found at https://www.shiply.com/contact.

We are also taking part in the ‘Help NHS Heroes’ scheme and are waiving fees on these deliveries for NHS purposes so that food and supplies can be delivered to those helping in the hospitals who need it most.

Please note that we are following all Government advice and guidelines closely and will update this page as soon as any new developments occur.

Stay safe, from all of us here at Shiply.