Swap-O-Matic vending machine

It is rather encouraging to see society realize that we do not inherit the earth from our parents, but rather, we are just custodians of it for the next generation. After all, there is only one earth, and if it ends up inhabitable, where else are you supposed to go? Having said that, recycling efforts have clearly stepped up a pace over the years, and we are all more eco-conscious when it comes to our consumption and purchasing decisions. Will your next vehicle be a hybrid or a fully electric car? Are you purchasing organic foodstuff and support sustainable farming and fishing? All these questions have answers that lie in your conscience, and for those who want to take the next step, here is the Swap-O-Matic vending machine.

Brooklyn designer Lina Fenequito has come up with this unique vending machine that will not dispense mass-produced snacks with wrappers or other kinds of junk food, but rather, it will hand out second-hand belongings (or rather, pre-loved items) which are in need of a new owner who knows how to take good care of it.

This one-off machine will come with a bunch of compartments that will contain just about anything you have placed within, and to keep up with the times, the outside has a touchscreen interface. You will not use money but credits instead to obtain the items of your choice. Everyone will begin with three free credits, and each time you donate something to the machine, you will earn a credit. To receive something from the machine, you will obviously need to spend one credit. Of course, for those who prefer to hoard their credits, just swap an item of your own for one that is already in the machine.

Just how do you prevent unscrupulous folks from exploiting this system that relies on goodwill and honesty? You need to enter your email to access your account, and each account can be flagged should you be caught infringing on the terms of agreement. It does not sound too practical to install in today’s society, but at least it is a proof of concept that is guaranteed to make a statement more than anything else. Fenequito says, “Initially, the Swap-O-Matic is intended to inspire all of us to rethink our consumption habits, and consider more sustainable methods such as trading and reusing goods. On a much larger scale, the ultimate goal is for the Swap-O-Matic to inspire a movement, affecting change for large numbers of people and communities.”