Do you really need to own everything? From ladders and camping gear to canning supplies and extra tables, so many of the things cluttering our homes only get used once or twice a year. What if borrowing — instead of buying — became our default?

For Circular Economy Month, this episode looks at how sharing, renting, and borrowing can strengthen our communities while cutting down on overconsumption. This week I am joined by Tim Sattler, the founder of LEND-IT.CA, a rental marketplace that connects neighbours and local businesses so people can access what they need without buying new.

Tim shares how his small-town upbringing and military experience inspired him to create a platform that makes sustainable choices more convenient. We talk about how borrowing keeps value in our communities, why convenience is key to lasting behaviour change, and how rethinking ownership can make life simpler for families.

Takeaways

• How a small-town mindset of borrowing and helping neighbours led to the creation of LEND-IT.CA
• Why convenience is essential if we want eco-friendly choices to stick.
• The role of renting in reducing waste, clutter, and costs — especially in suburban homes.
• How LEND-IT.CA connects individuals and small rental businesses to keep value local.
• How renting and borrowing locally supports the circular economy.
• Practical examples of borrowing for family life — from sports equipment and DIY tools to party décor and camping gear.
• How trying before buying can help families save money and prevent unwanted purchases.

One Small Shift

Before you click “buy now,” pause for a moment. Do you really need to own that item? Could you borrow it from a neighbour or rent it locally instead? Trying before buying is one small shift that keeps money in your community, reduces waste, and helps build a stronger community for all.

Connect with Tim Sattler

LEND-IT.CA (website)

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Google Play

Facebook

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Resources

Lend What You Have, Borrow What You Need (blog post)

Circular Innovation Council

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Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio

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