Why This is Green

How often do most of us actually use power tools or even a tall ladder? The frequency is rarely enough to excuse the expense of buying your own, using them once, then letting them gather dust. But it’s not just about the money; the manufacturing and transporting of this equipment requires considerable nonrenewable resources. By organizing a tool and equipment-sharing cooperative with your neighbors, you can minimize this impact.

Equipment co-ops can be formal or informal. Very formal versions tend to involve a membership fee and have a wide variety of tools for lending—for everything from home and car repair to landscaping.

An informal co-op might involve sharing with neighbors and friends—by asking to borrow things, or even interfacing via an online group. What’s available informally depends largely on what people have lying around the garage. The benefit with informal is that it tends to branch out beyond hedge clippers and bike pumps to whatever else you might need, like kitchen equipment—cake pans, mixers, bread makers, food dehydrators.

Learn More

• HouseLogic.com: Start A Shared Tool Co-Op
• MotherEarthNews.com: Start Your Own Tool Sharing Program