Share Resources
There are some things we only need to use once in a while - like a socket wrench or a ladder. We could all go out and buy one of everything, but that would be expensive, take up a lot of space - and use more of our precious resources! The solution - share with neighbors! You might be amazed at the resources, skills and knowledge your neighbors have to share. And you may end up having an interesting conversion or two along the way!
Your Impact
Action Steps & Tips
Introduction
It’s easy to facilitate sharing resources. The first step is to create a shared resource list. Making a shared resource list will help everyone know who they can go to for help on projects and makes it easy for neighbors to know who has resources to share and how to reach them. You can also plan to have occasional swap events to exchange things you no longer need with those you do, or just contact your neighborhood group as you have things to offer. Sharing with neighbors saves time, money and resources - and you get to know your neighbors a bit more! It’s a win-win-win-win!
How to do this action: Follow the steps below and create a resource sharing list for your block or street.
Consider also completing the main household actions - Find Risks & Resources, Make a Plan, Build a Kit and Resilience for Homeowners or Renters to cover the basics of household emergency preparedness.
1Step 1: Make a plan to create a shared resource list
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Check in with a few neighbors and see if they like the idea and are interested in participating. Ask if they will help kick off the effort with a few resources to add.
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Decide on a format for the list. It is recommended to include who is offering the resource and how best to reach them (do they want to be texted, called or emailed?). A google sheet or other easily accessible list that can be set up to be available only to specific participants is a great way to make your list private and easy to use.
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Name your list! Sometimes called a Community Tool Shed or Lending Library, or Sharing Library (since it includes skills as well). Example: The Greenacres Neighborhood Sharing Library.
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Add guidelines: One of the most important factors in a neighborhood resource sharing plan is trust. Add in a list of basic expectations and responsibilities for borrowing or sharing to build trust among participating neighbors. Check in with the neighbors interested in participating to see if they agree with the guidelines or if they have anything to add. Some example guidelines include:
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Ask before borrowing
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Include instructions for use/care as needed
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Inspect an item before lending it out. Only sign up to share items that you are comfortable sharing - items that are not too costly, don’t break easily, or that you are ok to lose in the event of an accident!
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Set a date/time for return
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Return items in the same or better condition
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Here are some more ideas on guidelines for sharing resources.
2Step 2: Create your neighborhood shared resource list
Once you have a few neighbors interested and a basic document set up to add resources to, you are ready to create your list! Here are a few suggestions to get started:
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Start small with just a couple of neighbors you already know and trust. Then consider expanding to bring in others on your block or street. Proximity is a factor, people usually want to share with neighbors who live nearby.
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Provide examples. When neighbors are adding items to the list, encourage them to be creative and inclusive! Heavy-duty tools or things like snow blowers or ladders are very useful to add, but other items like board games, kids’ toys, and sewing machines are also great additions.
- Include skills and services! Baby-sitting, math tutoring experience, dog-walking, or minor repair experience are all examples of very helpful and appreciated skills! Let neighbors know it is ok to add in a note about compensation for some skills or services.
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Check for community resources to add in: Some cities also have a tool lending library or public “maker-spaces” with equipment like sewing machines, 3d printers and other tools, which can be run by local agencies, community organizations or for-profit companies. Check in your local area to see if you have a program. If you do, add it to your local list to let neighbors know about it.
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Include information on the local Goodwill or other donation location as another option for used items in good condition.
3Step 3: Share the list!
Make sure everyone on the list has access and knows how to use it! Connecting everyone through a google group, text message group, or other shared communication tool can also be helpful for posting the list link and the guidelines for sharing. Encourage everyone to update and edit their info on the list as needed. Send reminders once or twice a year to help people remember to update their information. Once the list is up and running, consider expanding to invite other neighbors to join and share.
4Step 4: Do a Swap or Freecycle!
Once or twice a year, plan an event where neighbors can bring things they are no longer using to offer to others. Make it fun - incorporate a potluck or pizza party! You can also encourage participants g to send or post items they have to your neighbor group during the year. Find a great home for that old blender right away - one that will appreciate and use it often!