Drastic behavior change is necessary to reach the Paris Agreement of 2,5 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per person and year until 2030. One way to lower our consumption-based emissions is to consume less and share the resources already in circulation more. The sharing economy can be understood as an umbrella concept that includes various practices and activities. Due to this variety in practice, the sharing economy is not sustainable by default. Altruistic forms of interpersonal sharing and market-oriented businesses require sharing initiatives to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Though the sharing economy is often understood as digitally mediated through profit-driven online platforms, sharing can occur outside the formal market and without digital platforms.

This study explores geographical and social differences in the attitude toward, and experiences of, the sharing of resources. Through focus-group interviews, the study shows that geographical and social differences exist and that the most significant differences can be found between central urban areas and smaller towns in rural areas. People who live in places with higher levels of social interaction and active communities are more inclined to share with others. Three key concepts for understanding any potential sharing situation are social relations, trust, and value. The three concepts operate as a foundation for decision-making in any sharing situation and affect what can be shared with whom and why. The study also identifies how public actors, such as municipalities, can engage in sharing practices.