Page 7 - U4SSC Case study: Re-use of consumer goods and tools loaning, June 2020

Case Study 1 – Toronto Tool Library and Sharing Depot

Author:

- Ryan Dyment

Reviewer and editor:

- Gamze Hakli Geray

Introduction

Background

Toronto is Canada’s largest and most multicultural city. Beyond its diversity, Toronto is also home to
one of the largest library systems, with over 100 public library branches. These libraries provide a wide
range of services, including the loaning of books, magazines, CDs and DVDs, in addition to free internet,
skill-building workshops, public meeting spaces and much more.

Challenge and response

Toronto, like any city in the world, faces the challenge of living within the natural limits of the
environment. Economic growth will inevitably collide with the finite natural resources on our planet,
and infinite consumption growth based on a finite amount of resources is simply unsustainable. In
addition to a growing carbon footprint, income inequality is also a rising concern in Toronto as in most
areas of the world. Ensuring that Toronto remains an affordable city is a challenge that needs to be
addressed in all areas, from housing and food to access to goods and services, which ensures that the
city can sustain its cherished quality of life.

In this regard, in 2013 a small group of passionate individuals launched a project that addressed
income inequality and environmental concern. The project was called the Toronto Tool Library and was
modelled after the successful Berkeley Tool Library launched in the 1970s in California. The idea was
to make a programme that was affordable and took on the problem of consumption by giving people
access to a wide range of goods and tools that are typically used only a few times a year. Through an
annual membership scheme, the public could access thousands of items instead of buying and storing
these items themselves.

In 2016, the Tool Library expanded to include the Sharing Depot, a library for items beyond tools with a
focus on children’s toys, camping gear, party supplies, sports equipment and board games. Members of
the public can purchase membership to either the Tool Library or the Sharing Depot, or get combined
access with an upgraded membership.

Case study: Re-use of consumer goods and tools loaning, June 2020 1