How I ditched buying tools and started borrowing with Benthyg Cymru

If you haven’t heard of it before, Benthyg Cymru is an organisation that helps communities open a ‘Library of Things’ where you can borrow items you need but don’t want to own. From pressure washers to bread makers, it’s a brilliant way to save money, space, and the planet - all at the same time.

Renovating my house, the sustainable way

When I decided to renovate my house, I quickly realised how many tools I needed: a wallpaper stripper, a carpet cleaner, a drill, and more. My first instinct was to head to a DIY store and buy everything, but let’s be honest, how often do we really use these tools? A wallpaper stripper, for instance, is hardly a daily necessity. That’s when I discovered Benthyg.

Through Benthyg’s easy-to-use website, I found my local Library of Things. It’s straightforward: sign up, browse the available items, reserve what you need, and pick it up at a time that suits you. The range of items blew me away. I borrowed everything I needed for my renovation project - all at a fraction of the cost of buying.

Saving money and space

Let’s talk numbers. Borrowing from Benthyg costs just a few pounds per item, which is much cheaper than buying new tools or even renting from commercial outlets. For example, borrowing a wallpaper stripper for a week cost me less than a takeaway meal. Multiply those savings across all the tools I borrowed, and it’s clear how much I saved.

Then there’s the space issue. My house isn’t huge, and I don’t have room for bulky tools like a pressure washer or a carpet cleaner. By borrowing instead of buying, I avoided cluttering my home with items I’d only use a couple of times a year (if that). Borrowing gave me the freedom to have what I needed, when I needed it, without the storage headaches.

Sustainability in action

We’re all becoming more aware of the impact our choices have on the environment. Borrowing instead of buying reduces waste and the demand for new products. Every tool I borrowed meant one less item being manufactured, packaged, and shipped. And let’s not forget the waste saved when these tools are shared by dozens of people instead of sitting unused in someone’s shed.

More than just tools

While I initially joined Benthyg for tools, I soon discovered they offer so much more. Need a bread maker for a weekend baking project? Borrow it. Got a party and need extra chairs? They’ve got you covered. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about having access to items that make life easier without the long-term commitment of ownership.

How you can get involved

If you’re in Wales, chances are there’s a Library of Things near you. Head to their website, and check it out. Joining is easy, and the benefits are immediate. Whether you’re tackling a DIY project, throwing a party, or if you’re like my partner and are just curious about trying a new hobby, Benthyg is for you. This week she’s into bread making and we all know that bread maker would be up the attic in a week or so if we’d bought our own!

For me, borrowing from Benthyg has been a game-changer. It’s saved me money, kept my home clutter-free, and allowed me to renovate my house in a way that’s kinder to the planet and my pocket. So next time you need something, why not borrow it? You’ll be surprised how easy it is.