Library of Things – reducing waste by borrowing rather than buying
By Yaz Brien 4th December 2019
Circular economy start-up Library of Things launches a self-serve locker-style rental system, which enables communities across the UK to borrow household items – rather than having to buy them.
4 Comments
I really love this idea – a win win for all – my only question is – do you also offer expertise in how communities can fundraise the £30,000 you say it costs? I appreciate all the construction, items etc but this is still a lot of money to find. Especially for local groups or local libraries.
Library of Things will be the best hub of information and ideas related to raising the £30,000 funds for installing one of their ready-to-go modular systems – I’m sure they’d welcome your query. And some communities may explore how they might set up something similar on a smaller and more DIY scale.
Collaboration would be key in raising the funds and resources needed to develop this system elsewhere – thinking about the role of potential venues (such as libraries) and any funds they could access if they collaborated on a project like this, local authority strategies and pots of money (there may be spending priorities or small funds relating to wellbeing, loneliness, re-use, community development etc), local business sponsorship (particularly those with corporate social responsibility teams), UK wide funding and pots of money (if you have a local council for voluntary services type organisation they could often advise on these), as well as general fundraising activites and/or crowdfunders.
What an incredible – and yet simple and obvious, idea. Wonderful! This idea covers and addresses not only environmental concerns but feeds into community in it’s most basic form: marginalised, or simply cash strapped individuals can begin to connect with the wider community – emotionally but also, practically. Just being able to carry out the smallest of jobs for oneself is such a boost to confidence and self esteem! A less ethereal focus – ‘vehicle’ to aid building self worth. Fabulous! Would Mytholmroyd Community Centre be a space? Or indeed any of the units in and around the valley bottom: in Todmorden, Hebden or along my own Burnley Rd toward Ludd’foot. Let’s get this going!!! Tell us how we can help!
It really is wonderful! Library of Things have a whole page on their website dedicated to groups interested in getting their own project started, take a look – https://www.libraryofthings.co.uk/new-sites