Monday 26th February
Report written by Anastasia Hancock (she/her)
It was a blustery evening in Wandsworth last night but we had a job to do, and that wasn't going to hold us back!
Have you heard of the Library of Things? This organisation in partnership with the council has a mission to make borrowing better than buying for people and the planet. It's a more affordable, convenient, socially-rewarding alternative to consumerism, which is particularly important during the current cost-of-living crisis. The idea is that we borrow from their 'library' of tools, equipment and more, saving money by affordably renting quality products such as drills, sound systems or sewing machines rather than contributing to the carbon emissions created by producing them. It has recently opened a branch in Wandsworth and we were asked to help spread the word about this new resource.
We were only too happy to help, so after a warm up, we took a look at the box of leaflets we had been sent, and took turns guessing how many there were inside. Guesses ranged from 500 to 1800, but Eaven showed some amazing spatial awareness skills, with an estimate only 20 off the correct total of 900!
Over the years we like to think we have perfected our leaflet delivering method, and we were soon running like clockwork. The idea is that we run single file, joining the back of the moving queue each time we post a leaflet so that we ensure we don't double up on any houses. That's the idea at least! It tends to work very well with the same number of houses on each side of the street, but we come a bit undone if not, with one team waiting for the other group to catch up!
We have a new empathy for our lovely posties, who have to cope with numb fingers, menacing barks, not to mention letterboxes at the bottom doors (not easy to bend down thatfar after a few kms!) Still, we managed to cover a big distance, running over 7km from the tip of Wandsworth Common, through Wandsworth Town and the surrounding area, even hitting estate agents, pubs and other organisations as we went to spread the net as far and wide as possible. Some keen beans even took a few to deliver on their way home - that's commitment to the cause! If you fancy a day with a waffle maker, carpet cleaner or even a projector, why not check them out.
Next week we have our regular trip to Doddington roof garden followed by our pub quiz social. Hope to see you there! We also have a new weekly task helping deliver hot food for vulnerable people every Sunday which is a fun and rewarding way to spend an afternoon spreading the love!
Library of Things is a social enterprise that helps people save money and reduce waste by affordably renting out useful items like drills, sound systems and sewing machines from local spaces – and by helping neighbours share practical skills.
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