c.Figallo

One of the necessities and products of social networking is trust. Without a minimum level, no one would interact through the Web, and through building relationships at an acceptable pace through these networks, most people can establish enough trust  with selected others to do some sharing or exchange of valued stuff.

So how can trust improve the environment? Combining social networking with carpooling  might be a good starting point.

Too many cars on the road with only a driver inside. Too much carbon pumped into the atmosphere. Too much money being spent on car maintenance and fuel. Mass transit isn’t the answer for everyone. So that leaves carpools.

The New York Times reported on a startup called Zimride that, in the classic carpooling model, “connects drivers with riders looking to carpool to class or work.” But carpooling has always suffered from the perception that one’s fellow passengers might not turn out to be tolerable for the ride to and from work.

Zimride’s  founders are betting that green consciousness combined with the familiarity and trust gained through social networking will make their service worth using. Facebook thinks they have a good idea and has invested in the new company.