the art of borrowing
and how borrowing promotes sustainability and community.
If any of you are on social media (especially tik-tok) you may have come across these ridiculous (almost rage-baiting) videos of people un-hauling a disgusting amount of books. Usually in the background of these videos you can see rows and rows and rows of other books- lined up neatly on gigantic shelves spanning their wall. While it is very satisfying to watch, and I also just love seeing books, it makes me ill just thinking about how many people are doing this - and solely buying from Amazon.
I have come across some book youtubers and booktokers that like to buy the physical copy of the book if they enjoyed the Kindle version of it. While I am not opposed to this entirely, the mindset of “I only buy if I reallllllly love it” can be a dangerous road to go down and then you end up with 25+ new physical books that are sitting pretty on a shelf. This mindset can also apply to water bottles, gadgets, cleaning supplies, clothes, new bedding…you get it - you have seen the thousands of haul videos.
But, the purpose of this post isn’t to go down the rabbit hole of over-consumption (there’s enough articles about that already). It is more to explain my thoughts on mindful shopping and the *art* of borrowing.
Borrowing and lending can indeed be tricky. Borrowing can feel awkward, especially in those last-minute situations like needing an egg for a birthday cake at 7:00 PM. It can be uncomfortable to ask for help, even for something small. On the other hand, lending can be challenging because we often attach sentimental or practical value to our possessions, even if they aren’t used frequently. There’s always that little worry about whether the item will come back in the same condition or at all.
Borrowing comes in many shapes and sizes. It can be institutional, like the public library where you borrow books and resources to enhance your knowledge or pass the time, or personal, such as borrowing your sister's cream turtleneck sweater for a Friendsgiving party. The dynamics of borrowing vary widely; it could involve formal agreements, or it might be as casual as borrowing a cup of sugar from a neighbor (read funny comic above). On whatever level it may be I believe that borrowing is better overall for the environment and community all while building our social and responsibility skills.
There are many reasons why you should incorporate borrowing into your life:
Resource Efficiency – Borrowing items can reduce the need for manufacturing new products, which in turn conserves natural resources.
Reduce Waste – By borrowing items that you don’t use often, you can help prevent waste. When you do your next spring cleaning, you'll likely find your donation pile to be much smaller.
More Space – If you travel with a checked bag only a few times a year (like me), borrowing a suitcase means I don’t need to store one in my apartment!
Empowerment – Nothing makes me feel better than offering something I love or find useful to a friend or family member. Collaboration allows me to meet someone’s need or solve a problem of my own. If I know I own a book that a friend will enjoy, I offer it. If my bookshelf is too full, I take books to the little free library. If I need a power tool (which is very rare), I ask my in-laws.
Some tips on how to start:
Know What You Own – I’ve often found myself buying items I didn’t realize I already owned. Understanding what you have and how you can use it—or even finding a new, creative way to use it—can prevent unnecessary purchases and make your life more organized. Regularly inventorying your belongings helps you avoid duplicates and makes it easier to offer or lend out items you don’t use frequently.
DIY – Before making a purchase or seeking something to borrow, ask yourself if you can create it yourself. For example, that birthday banner that will likely be used just once? Consider making it at home. Or, for food storage, use repurposed containers you already have rather than buying new ones. Halloween costume that will be worn for one day….thrift it. DIY solutions not only save money but also allow you to personalize items to your needs and preferences.
Utilize Your Community Resources – Take advantage of the resources available in your community. Reach out to friends and family, check community boards and websites, and visit public libraries and community centers. For instance, I didn’t need to buy a pickleball paddle because my community center rents out the equipment!!! Exploring these resources can often meet your needs without the added expense and clutter of owning more items.
Reflect on Your Attachment to Items – Work on understanding why you feel attached to certain items and why it might be difficult to let them go. Reflecting on the impact of purchasing unnecessary items can be enlightening. Consider how these purchases affect the environment and your finances. Being mindful of these factors can help you make more intentional decisions about borrowing, buying, and keeping things.
Learn to Shop Mindfully – I understand that in many areas and regions, resources and community can be hard to find, or does not exists at all. (This is another topic that needs to be addressed.) In areas where one-day shipping and numerous stores are the norm, we have a unique opportunity to support local economies and foster community connections. When seeking a physical book, consider exploring resellers like Pango or supporting independent bookstores that often curate unique selections and foster local culture. Thrift stores and second-hand shops are treasure troves not only for finding great deals but also for reducing waste. Let’s use our shopping habits as a tool to build up and enrich the places we call home.
By consciously choosing to incorporate borrowing and lending into our lifestyles, we not only enhance our own communities but also contribute to a more connected world - which is the most sustainable thing we can do.
p.s thank u if you read this <3
p.s.s no hate to anyone in the linked tiktoks. If it happens to be a video of you and want it taken down, message me!
thank you,
shelby