At the Network of Wellbeing (NOW), we’re proud to have set up the Share Shed – A Library of Things, offering useful items at low cost for people to borrow. As the project developed, we launched a mobile version of the project – the world’s first mobile library of things – offering various communities in south Devon, a great solution to source materials and equipment from at an affordable rate.
Now, the Share Shed is piloting a reuse project, selling second hand items like tools, gardening equipment, household appliances and camping gear for those who use such things on a regular basis.
Mirella Ferraz, NOW’s Project Manager, says: “we’re really excited to be trialling this idea. We’re aware of how much stuff there is in people’s garages when at the same time, so many people are struggling to afford what they need. We want to find other ways to support our communities to collaborate more while saving money and reducing waste.”
By offering more ways for people to buy less, reuse and share existing items more, we are aiming to support the wellbeing of people and the planet. People’s wellbeing is improved through low-cost access to useful items as well as connection to others in their community. Plus, we are creating more sustainable wellbeing by minimising unnecessary consumerism.
Travelling in its bespoke van, a real ‘shed on wheels’, the lending service follows a weekly route, which currently has six regular stops at Totnes (including Dartington and Bridgetown), South Brent, Buckfastleigh and Ashburton.
The first pop-up sale as part of the Share Shed’s reuse project pilot just took place in Tontes, and many items were re-homed including tools, lawnmowers and strimmers, dehumidifiers, sanders and much more!
All the funds raised from sales of these items will be reinvested in the Share Shed, and if you’d like to donate any item that’s in good working condition, please get in touch via info@shareshed.org.uk or 07516 908237.
For more information about the Share Shed, please visit www.shareshed.org.uk.