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Things for the Home and Garden

Large items for the home generally have a larger environmental impact. The longer you are able to use these items, the better, so buy better and buy to last.

If you buy items that are made from natural materials, for example, metal, wood, bamboo, wool, hemp, cotton, etc, at the end of their use and reuse, they can go back into the natural cycle through decomposition through processes like composting, and make healthy soil - the key component of our world's ability to renew everything again and again in a never-ending cycle. Metals can be smelted and used many times.

Whilst some plastics can be recycled, they never go back into the natural cycle

ACTION: When making a choice between products, buy better, buy to last, and choose natural materials where possible.


Here are some ways to have things you need and want, while saving money AND reducing you carbon footprint ...

  • Library of Things
  • Freegle and Freecycle
  • Community Sharing - Leaf https://www.communitysharing.co.uk/

Library of Things - why buy, when you can borrow?

Source: Zero Carbon Llanidloes https://zerocarbonllanidloes.org.uk

Have you bought big items that cost a lot of money, but only get used occasionally, or even just once! Now there is the 'Library of Things' - a tools and equipment sharing project run by the community, where you can hire the fully maintained tools you need, for a fraction of the price - and help the environment at the same time.

A library could hold tools and equipment that you might use to clean your house, to decorate or do DIY, for sewing, for the kitchen or gardening. It depends on local demand. It has been found that community members have items in their cupboards and garages that they haven't used for a while or don't need, and are happy to donate them to the library, where they will be maintained and used. One 'library' in Wales even stocks local school uniforms.

Items are bookable for a small fee, which is a lot cheaper than buying new, and probably a better quality than most people would afford. The tools are always ready to use, unlike the rusted saw in the shed.

This project could significantly reduce large amounts of materials and energy that would go into making more tools, which would then use more energy being taken to landfill and disposed of properly. It is kind to our planet - and a simple way to be more sustainable.

Source: Zero Carbon Llanidloes https://zerocarbonllanidloes.org.uk

How the Library of Things works

You book the items you want to use on a website (some places have kiosks) and say when you want the items. You pay a (low) hiring fee and go to the library to pick up your tools from the library. Your fee goes towards the upkeep of tools and buying new ones that people want to use, and if the library is busy enough, to pay someone to manage the hirings. To see what a Library of Things catalogue might look like, have a peek at this London catalogue.

In some places communities have worked with their local council to amalgamate a library of things into their local book library.

ACTION: Have a look at some Library of Things websites - some links to inspire you are below...


Benthyg Cymru - The Welsh Library of Things

Llanidloes Library of Things by Zero Carbon Llanidloes

Bws Benthyg Borrow Bus - A Mobile Library of Things in Denbighshire

The Library of Things - London, where they have been operating since 2019

Start a Library of Things in your community

If you think a Libraray of Things would be a good idea in your community, why not share the idea and see if you can get a group of people to together to get one started?


ACTION: Talk to people in your community about the Library of Things - could you start one in your community?

Support to start a Library of Things in your community can be found here ...

The Library of Things London

Benthyg Cymru - The Welsh Library of Things


 

Events

Accelerating Change: Spurring on climate action in our communities

18 May 2024   9:00 - 16:45

where Shrewsbury Town Football Club, Oteley Road, Shrewsbury SY2 6ST

The conference schedule is as follows:

9am-9.30am: Registration.

9.30am: Main Plenary Session including:

The Powys Green Guide has received funding from the Mid Wales Community Energy Trust to cover website support and maintenance in Montgomeryshire

This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund
Mae’r prosiect hwn ei ariannu’n rhannol gan Lywodraeth y DU trwy Gronfa Adfywio Cymunedol y DU

 

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