Tool libraries are community spaces where you can borrow from a large inventory of tools – just like a regular library, but with things instead of books. By “tool,” we mean power and hand tools, yes, but also kitchen, camping, and gardening gear! Anything that would sit in a closet, basement, or garage only to be used once every month or two (at best) is a good candidate for a tool library.
The Lexington Tool Library’s goal is to provide access to the tools and equipment Lexington residents need to help themselves and their neighbors make their homes and communities better. The borrowing of commonly-held tools, provided to all members regardless of ability to pay, aims to reshape our relationship to ownership, community, and consumption.
Current Sustainable Practices
Below are the initiatives Lexington Tool Library has completed on the Green Check scorecard.
Sustainability Management and Green Team
- Designated a Green Team responsible for managing sustainability initiatives.
- Provides time for quarterly updates from Sustainability Coordinator in management meetings.
Awareness, Education, and Outreach
- Provide a sustainability information board in a common area such as a break room or kitchen.
- Promote sustainability accomplishments in external marketing materials.
- Hosts environmental events.
- Sponsor an environmental booth at an existing community event.
Waste Reduction and Recycling
- Implemented a basic recycling program.
- Provides clearly marked recycling bins at work stations and/or in common areas. Recycling bins are paired with a waste bin.
- Trains and requires staff responsible for cleaning to segregate waste and recyclable materials.
- Participated in a zero-waste event.
Water Quality
- Established a policy for proper hazardous waste and chemical disposal.
Innovation
- Entire business model is centered around reducing waste by lending items out.
- The pay-what-you-can model keeps membership accessible.
- Aims to reshape our relationship to ownership, community, and consumption.
Certified as a Bronze level business since 2024
