A unique sharing platform helps residents combat with the cost of living crisis.
Cardiff’s “library of things,” is opening a third branch in North Cardiff, helping more local residents save money and reduce waste amid rising costs.
Benthyg ACE helps local residents save money and reduce waste by offering low-cost rentals, easing the burden inflation through shared resources.
“I prefer not to charge them the late fee, even some renters keep the expensive things longer and do not give it back timely.” said Ruth, a manager who has been working here for one year. ” Because our first aim is to help people in poor economic conditions, I do not want this to be a burden.”
The average rental cost is just £2 per week, significantly reducing expenses for local households. This cost-effective solution makes essential tools accessible, especially during times of rising living costs.
The platform’s inventory grows through community donations, giving unused household items a second life. “Residents used to throw away unwanted items, but now these goods help others save money while reducing waste,” Dale added.
A mother of two shared, “I borrowed tools like a drill and ladder to repair my home. The money I saved allowed me to take my children on a family holiday-a memory we’ll cherish forever.”
However, challenges remain. Maintaining and replacing heavily-used items requires additional resources, and operational demands continue to grow. “Our users support us by donating items and extending rentals, which helps keep the service running,” Ruth said.
Benthyg ACE’s success has led to new partnerships, including Repair Café Wales, where volunteers provide free repairs every Saturday. A recent collaboration with Green Cardiff introduces workshops on sustainable living, teaching skills like up cycling and energy-saving.
With its third branch underway and more planned, the library is poised to transform how communities access and use resources. Its vision is simple yet powerful: to make sustainable living affordable and achievable for everyone.