The Case for Sharing: Libraries of Things

The Case for Sharing: Libraries of Things

Because owning a waffle maker you only use once a year is… wasteful.

Wait — What’s a Library of Things?

Imagine a library, but instead of books, you borrow:

  • A drill

  • A carpet cleaner

  • A projector

  • A camping stove

  • Even a Sewing machine, tents, or paddleboards

It’s a community-powered toolkit where people share rather than own, saving:

  • Space

  • Money

  • Resources

  • The environment

Why It Matters

The average UK drill is used for 13 minutes in its lifetime.
Yet we buy millions of them.

Do we really need to own everything we only use once?

🌍 The Green Benefits

✅ Less manufacturing waste
✅ Lower carbon footprint (less shipping, fewer new items produced)
✅ Reduces clutter and landfill
✅ Encourages repair culture
✅ Makes tools accessible to everyone

Bonus: You also avoid the IKEA panic when you realise you don’t have an Allen key.

📦 What You Can Usually Borrow

  • Tools (power drills, sanders, ladders)

  • Garden equipment (hedge trimmers, lawn mowers)

  • Kitchen gear (ice cream makers, pressure cookers)

  • Hobby items (sewing machines, musical instruments)

  • Camping or party gear (projectors, gazebos)

And best of all — some are free, others charge just a few pounds per day.

🗺️ How to Find One

  • Search libraryofthings.co.uk

  • Check local councils or community groups

  • Some charities run them through reuse centres

Or better yet… start your own. Many of my friends borrow things from me, and I from them, and we do this at little to zero cost.

Final Thought

You don’t need to own the thing — you just need the use of the thing.

The future isn’t buying better stuff. It’s buying less stuff, and sharing what we already have.

 

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