Midway Tool Lending Library: green alleys and gardens

Website

: http://hamlinemidwaycoalition.org/

The Idea

A successful pilot 'Green Alley' event in 2010 has encouraged Midway neighbors to begin forming a Tool Lending Library. Many higher cost tools such as the Weed Wrench are perfect for sharing since they are needed for short periods. The Weed Wrench removes weed trees without the need for herbicides.

The Specifics

The neighbors of the Hamline Midway see our pilot ‘Green Alley’ event and our soon-to-be-formed ‘Local Food Gardening Hub’ are a means to facilitate community building and sustainability within our built environment. Our pilot ‘Green Alley’ project engaged nearly 40 volunteers and 4 trucks toting 10 loads of brush to composting over a 5 hour period. This event required lots of tools, including the efficient, durable, but expensive, Weed Wrench. Shared community tools such as the Weed Wrench form the basis for more community engagement and provide a nexus for neighbor making. With this grant award, the Midway neighborhood will secure garden/food production tools, set-up a tool lending library and host more community greening events.

Discussion

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