The transformative power of neighbourhood sharing
In today’s fast-paced world where rising costs are at the forefront of our mind and environmental challenges are ever more pressing, neighbourhood sharing has the power to be transformational!
Whether it’s exchanging DIY expertise, borrowing tools or passing on baby clothes – pooling resources and thinking creatively can help us save money, be kinder to the planet and grow friendship.
Imagine borrowing what you need, when you need it, saving cash (and space)! Neighbourhood sharing helps save money by reducing the need to purchase items you rarely use. Remember that power drill you only used once — chances are your neighbour has one too!
Communities thrive on social interaction and the act of sharing encourages us to talk and connect. Neighbours that share, strengthen relationships, reduce feelings of isolation and build trust – creating a stronger sense of community.
By embracing the spirit of sharing, we make better use of resources and lessen the need for new things; collectively reducing consumption and waste and lightening our environmental footprint, whilst supporting everyone to access what they need.
Neighbourhood sharing has lasting benefits. It’s kinder to our wallets, our neighbours and the planet – why not give it go?
Simple Acts to Spark a Sharing Neighbourhood
1) Share with your neighbour
Who might have the item or skill you’re looking for and what could you offer in return when someone else needs a hand? Before you buy, reach out and connect locally – pop next-door and see if they have what you need, or post a note in a Facebook or WhatsApp group see if you could borrow one from nearby.
2) Have a Big Lunch
Year after year, conversations started at Big Lunches have led to sharing more than friendship, food and fun in communities.
Read how Lauren’s Big Lunch sparked more neighbourhood sharing
“It has made a huge difference with over 10 years of Lunches. We look after each other, we help each other, we share things to reduce waste, we have a gardening community. Most of all we know everyone in the road and make sure that we support them, from hospital runs, dog sitting, babysitting, and so many other things.”
Big Lunch Organiser, 2024
3) Join a sharing platform
Apps like Olio and Nextdoor are an easy way to connect locally and start your neighbourhood sharing journey. Why not say hi and post a list with what people could borrow from you or ask if anyone has something you need?
4) Start a library of things
Whether it’s with neighbours, a street, or your wider community, creating a collective inventory of tools and resources that are available to borrow makes sharing simple. Keep a list handy for everyone to be able to update and access.
5) Swap skills and trade talents
It’s not just equipment that can be shared! Everyone knows about something – whether it’s cooking, crafting, DIY or maths. Skills sharing is a fun way to learn something new with others and a nice way to give back to your community.
6) Going the same way?
Do your neighbour’s children go to the same school as yours or do you work in the same area as the person over the road? If so, organise shared school runs, commutes and local journey’s – it’ll save time and fuel costs, reduces congestion and helps the planet too!
7) Host a swap shop
From books to clothing – swapping is a fun, planet-friendly way to refresh your belongings. Keep it simple with a small party at home or bring your whole community together with a swap shop event.
8) Grow together
Community gardens are great for sharing space, seeds, tools, flowers and food with others. If you don’t have an allotment to join nearby, could you transform a patch of ground in your area into a growing space?
Find out how Eugenie transformed green spaces in her community
From tools to togetherness!
Sharing resources, valuing kindness, and caring for the planet—what small act could you do to spark neighbourhood sharing where you live?
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