The podcast is having a break over the summer, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to re-visit some of my favourite episodes from the archives.

This episode with Chris Hellawell from The Edinburgh Tool Library was one of the very first episodes published, but that's not the only reason I love it so much.

What Chris and his team have achieved up in Edinburgh is just brilliant.
Tool Libraries are a fabulous concept - they work like libraries, but for tools. 
But what Chris has created is so much more than simply a place to borrow tools (although their members saved over £875,000 from borrowing rather than buying tools in the projects first five years). It's a real community, with regular workshops and events, as well as their brilliant 'Tools for Life' programme, which provides expert advice, practical workshops, and employment support to young trainees who are currently facing barriers to employment, pairing mentors and trainees who then work together on projects that benefit local communities.

Edinburgh Tool Library has also served as inspiration for people wanting to set up similar projects around the country, as well as advice based on their own journey and experiences - wouldn't it be amazing to have a Tool Library in every community?

• The Edinburgh Tool Library
  - Website
  - On Facebook
  - On Instagram
  - On Twitter
• The original podcast episode
• The Sustainable(ish) Facebook group