Benthyg (ben-thig) means “to borrow or lend” in Welsh.
Since 2017, Benthyg Cymru has opened 25 “Libraries of Things” across Wales – with several more in development. The community hubs offer people an opportunity to borrow items they need, sharing resources that are already in their local area.
The scheme has said that people across Wales have borrowed 13,000 items since 2020, from practical DIY tools to instruments and crafting equipment.
The campaign is encouraging people to identify their nearest store and pay it a visit in the name of reducing waste.
Welsh cabinet secretary for climate change and rural affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, commented after a recent visit to a Library of Things in Newport: “Initiatives like Benthyg Cymru have an important role to play in moving Wales towards a more circular economy, conserving resources and slowing down unnecessary manufacturing.
“Community-driven initiatives, like Libraries of Things, are not just about borrowing tools – they are about building community, sharing ideas, and supporting one other.”
“We have too much stuff”
Becky Harford, co- founder of Benthyg Cymru, explained the organisation’s mission: “Simply put, we have too much stuff! Let’s share it out.
“Not everyone in your neighbourhood needs a drill, not everyone has space to store things, and not everyone can afford to buy what they need. By borrowing, we can help each other and live more sustainably. Less stuff means less impact on the planet.”
Benthyg Cymru supports communities across Wales to develop their own Library of Things model, tailoring it to local needs.
It has said that it isn’t looking to franchise or profit from Library of Things, instead aiming “to ease the setup process for communities interested in this sustainable model”.
The scheme also runs its own projects like RE:MAKE – Wales’ first high street repair and reuse store, in partnership with Repair Café Wales.
Phoebe Brown, director of Repair Café Wales, said: “Repair Cafe Wales are so pleased to be supporting the Benthyg It! campaign. Repair Cafes and Libraries of Things work brilliantly together as many of the items we borrow need regular maintenance and occasional repairs which can be carried out by our skilled volunteers.
“The RE:MAKE Newport store is an innovative example of how bringing repair and borrowing together can create a thriving community resource, progressing our transition to the circular economy whilst supporting local people.”
Zero Waste Week
Zero Waste Week takes place internationally during the first week of September every year.
Running since 2008, the environmental campaign has aimed to encourage the public and businesses to reduce landfill waste.
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