Have you ever looked at a power drill and wondered how much of its life it actually spends working? Statistics tell a funny, somewhat heartbreaking story: the average power drill is used for a total of only 13 minutes in its entire lifetime. The rest of the time, it sits in a dark garage or a plastic box, gathering dust and occupying space.
In our drive to be "prepared," we have become a society of accidental hoarders. We buy a specialized ladder for one gutter-cleaning afternoon, a high-end camping stove for one weekend trip, or a professional pasta maker that we use once before it retreats to the back of the pantry.
But as we settle into the second week of 2026, a more humane way of living is quietly taking root: The Library of Things.
The Joy of Not Owning
The "Library of Things" movement is a simple, brilliant rebellion against the idea that we must own everything we use. It’s exactly what it sounds like—a community space where, instead of books, you borrow tools, kitchen appliances, sewing machines, or camping gear.
When we move from "Ownership" to "Access," something beautiful happens. We reclaim our physical space. Our homes stop feeling like storage units for our "someday" hobbies. More importantly, we slash the demand for new manufacturing. Every drill shared by twenty neighbors is nineteen drills that didn't need to be mined, manufactured, packaged, and shipped across the ocean.
Rebuilding the Neighborhood
The most humane part of this isn't actually the carbon savings—it’s the conversation. When you walk into a local Tool Library or a "Thingery," you aren't just a customer; you're a neighbor. You get advice on how to fix that leaky faucet or how to use a miter saw. You share stories of the projects you're building.
It turns a solitary chore into a community event. It reminds us that we don't have to solve every problem in our lives alone, provided we have a community willing to share the load.
Your Action Today
Today, I want you to look at your most "under-used" possession. Is it a pressure washer? A set of specialized baking tins? A heavy-duty tent?
- Search Locally: Search for a "Library of Things," "Tool Library," or "Community Sharing" group in your city. You might be surprised to find one is already thriving nearby.
- Start Small: If there isn't one, talk to three friends or neighbors. Create a simple "Sharing Circle" for the items you all only use once a year.
- Borrow Before You Buy: Next time you need a tool for a one-off job, ask around before clicking "Add to Cart."
Let’s stop being consumers of "stuff" and start being curators of community. After all, you don't actually want a drill; you just want a hole in the wall to hang a picture of someone you love.
