Better Business / Member profile
Share Bristol joins the Bristol24/7 Better Business network
Share Bristol is delighted to announce its membership of the Bristol24/7 Better Business Network.
Share Bristol says joining the Bristol24/7 Better Business Network is a natural fit with the charity’s mission to build a more sustainable, connected and community-focused local economy.
By becoming part of the network, the organisation hopes to collaborate with other purpose-led Bristol businesses, share ideas around sustainability and community action, and help encourage more people across the city to embrace borrowing and reuse instead of buying things they may only use occasionally.
Share Bristol Library of Things runs four branches across the city, giving residents affordable access to hundreds of useful household, DIY and leisure items, all available to reserve online and collect from a nearby location.
Share Bristol’s Library of Things scheme with its four facilities has so far enabled nearly 20,000 loans of household items
The idea is simple: members pay for an affordable annual membership, reserve things online, collect them from their chosen branch and return them once they’re finished.
Among the most popular items are carpet cleaners, sanders, hedge trimmers and pressure washers, alongside camping gear, gazebos, popcorn makers and party equipment.
Share Bristol says the service not only helps households save money during the cost of living crisis, but also reduces waste and encourages a more sustainable approach to consumption.
Alongside its original Kingswood branch, the charity now operates a large site on East Street in Bedminster. Its Frenchay branch, on the UWE campus, serves students, university staff and local residents alike, while the newer Winterbourne site is helping bring borrowing closer to more communities on the fringes of the city.
As well as the environmental benefits, the charity says community connection is at the heart of the project, with volunteers playing a key role in maintaining items, welcoming visitors and keeping the libraries running smoothly.
One member recently praised Share Bristol, saying: “Wish there was one in every neighbourhood. Fantastic concept and place is run by friendly, helpful people!”
Over the past five years, thousands of items have been borrowed instead of bought, helping local people complete home projects, host events, try new hobbies and access equipment they may otherwise not be able to afford.
Share Bristol says joining the Bristol24/7 Better Business Network is a natural fit with the charity’s mission to build a more sustainable, connected and community-focused local economy
Share Bristol hopes its continued expansion will encourage even more people to embrace the circular economy and the benefits of borrowing as part of everyday life in Bristol.
All photos: Share Bristol
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