Sustainable Saturdays Returns July 23 with Theme of Sharing & Lending

How many household items do you have that you use now and then, but always take up space in your home? Or tools or hobby items that you want to try out or use once, yet aren’t ready to commit to owning? Or toys that will inevitably fall out of favor when the next bright shiny doodad comes along?

A solution to these problems is the many local Sharing and Lending resources available in Melrose and many other communities.

Join Zero Waste Melrose for the third installment of Sustainable Saturdays on July 23, 2022 (10 am - 12 pm) at the Melrose YMCA Park. Discover lending and sharing resources in our community, for everything from toys and baby products, to tools, garden seeds, the Buy Nothing initiative, the city Swap Day and other sharing resources. When we share and lend instead of buying new products, we conserve natural resources, create less waste and build community connections.

The July 23 event spotlights Melrose-based The Toyary a toy lending library platform that's on a mission to save sanity, minimize waste and drive access to learning-based, inclusive play. Activities at Sustainable Saturday will include:

• Build a giant recycled art castle: Ready for a challenge? In the spirit of learning through play while demonstrating the power of collective action, swing by to be part of the ultimate recycled art challenge: can we build the biggest largest recycled castle structure north of Boston? We're calling on contributors of all ages to partake in the castle-building fun! (All recycled supplies will be provided.)
• Toy swap: New to the concept of lending? Start with a swap! All families of toy-playing stage are invited to bring a toy and take a toy. After the swap, The Toyary will collect remaining toys and games to support its mission and non-profit partners. Not sure what to bring? Here are some guidelines:
  • New and pre-loved (indoor/outdoor) toys and games for children 0-8+ years that are not damaged or recalled.
  • Books focused on children’s activities, multicultural narratives, advocacy and inclusivity.
  • Toys and games that may be missing parts (note: The Toyary is constantly seeking replacement parts and will happily accept these types of items even if they are not eligible for the swap itself)