New tools for Wyndham residents to go circular
Community-led solutions to minimise waste as local Wyndham volunteers gather to open the new Wyndham Park Tool Library You know the drill: tool libraries are community-based initiatives that allow communities to borrow tools and equipment for short-term use, rather than buying them outright.
But the benefits of tool libraries extend beyond home maintenance and DIY; they play a crucial role in embedding the circular economy at a local scale.
These libraries operate on the principle of sharing resources, reducing the need for every individual to own their own set of tools, as well as the raw materials and energy required to manufacture new tools. Rather than these tools sitting idle in a closet or garage, they circulate within the community, reducing the likelihood of them ending up in landfills prematurely.
Studies have found that if only 250 items were borrowed and used from the tool library, it could save 1 tonne of waste from landfill, and 4 tonnes of new products from being manufactured.
Sustainability Victoria provides local communities across the state with the tools (pun intended) and knowledge they need to create place-based, local solutions to shift to a circular and more sustainable way of living.
Residents in Melbourne’s west can now easily take part in the sharing economy thanks to the new Wyndham Park Tool Library, helping the local community achieve more with less.
The establishment of the Tool Library has been supported with a grant of $91,920 and is one of over 60 projects funded through the $7.3 million Circular Economy Councils Fund.
Studies have found that if only 250 items were borrowed and used from the tool library, it could save 1 tonne of waste from landfill, and 4 tonnes of new products from being manufactured.
Local volunteer Lyn Mackay describes how the library is about more than tools – it fosters meaningful connection in the community.
‘After the last couple of years, I found myself becoming more and more housebound … I made a resolution to get out of the house and meet new people. I just happened to see that the Wyndham Park Community Centre was looking for volunteers for their newly opened tool library. I applied and was accepted!’
The Wyndham Park Tool Library has over 200 items available to borrow, including garden tools, woodworking and carpentry tools, artist tools, construction tools, camping equipment, and more. ‘Say you need to hedge trimmer – we’ve got one. A postal digger? Got one. They’re all tested and tagged and ready to go,’ says Lyn.
The new tool library has everything from large construction tools and camping equipment to your chisels, flat heads and tin snips Circular economy action is needed at every level and Sustainability Victoria partners with communities across Victoria to support them to create local solutions for local problems. Other projects to receive support from the Circular Economy Councils Fund include new transfer station equipment, organics and mulch processing facilities, tip and resale shops, circular economy hubs, textile recycling projects, and mobile recycling and waste reduction services.
Projects supported have diverted over 1,700 tonnes of waste from landfill and created 63 jobs.
Read more about all the Circular Economy Councils Fund funded projects.