Circular October – A Month of Sustainability
Our current economic system isn’t working.
Let’s imagine and practice a better one built on sharing, repairing, and reuse.
This October, The Tool Library is proud to present Circular October, a month of hands-on programs, community events, and learning opportunities that show what a more circular local economy can look like and invite Western New Yorkers to participate.
What is a circular economy? A circular economy is an approach to resource use that aims to minimize waste and keep items in use for as long as possible through repair, reuse, recycling and upcycling. Unlike the traditional system where products are made, used and thrown away, circularity helps cut down waste and protect the environment while encouraging new ideas and stronger community connections.
Our current economy encourages us to buy, use, and discard.
Circular October offers a different model: share, repair, and reuse.
Event Schedule:
Saturday, Oct. 3rd, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
MEGA Main Street Cleanup
The Tool Library (2626 Main Street)
We’re teaming up with the University Heights Collaborative, Parkside Community Association, and the Central Park Homeowners Association for a 28 block cleanup of Main Street. We’ll be cleaning up our section of Main Street as well as planting bulbs in the Vernon Triangle Pocket Park.
Tuesday, Oct. 6th, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
DIY Workshop: Autumn Gardening
Private Garden (Location shared with ticket holders)
This workshop will cover the essentials of autumn garden care, including preparing plants and beds for winter, selecting fall-planted bulbs for springtime blooms, and creating seasonal interest through succession planting.
Tickets are $20 for TL members and $30 for general admission.
Thursday, Oct. 8th, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
West Side Dare to Repair Cafe
West Side Community Services (161 Vermont St)
Dare to Repair Cafes are pop-up community events where individuals can bring broken items and have a team of volunteer fixers try to repair the item alongside them for free!
Tuesday, Oct. 13th, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Clothing Swap + Mending Workshop
The Tool Library (2626 Main Street)
Fast fashion is one of the leading contributors to landfill waste. Refresh your wardrobe sustainably at our Clothing Swap—bring what you don’t wear, find new favorites, and keep clothes out of the landfill. Our Dare to Repair seamstresses will also be on hand to help you patch or hem your brand new-to-you garments!
Saturday, Oct. 17th, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
William Gaiter Parkway Cleanup + Bulb Planting
Norfolk @ E. Delavan Ave (1016 E. Delavan Avenue)
Join us and our partners at the Norfolk Avenue Block Club #1 as we clean up along William L. Gaiter Parkway, plant bulbs, and help steward a newly revitalized pocket park across from the Delavan-Grider Community Center.
Monday, Oct. 19th, and Tuesday, Oct. 20th 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Buffalo Sewing Club Upcycled Sewing Workshop
The Tool Library (2626 Main Street)
Bring a piece of clothing you’d love to give new life and join us to learn how to hand-stitch and creatively upcycle using techniques such as patchwork, visible mending, grommets, painting, and more.
Tickets are $20 for TL members and $30 for general admission.
Saturday, Oct. 24th, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
PUSH Dare to Repair Cafe
PUSH Sustainable Workforce Training Center (300 Hampshire St, Buffalo, NY 14213)
Dare to Repair Cafes are pop-up community events where individuals can bring broken items and have a team of volunteer fixers try to repair the item alongside them for free!
Monday, Oct. 26th, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
DIY Workshop: Sourdough + Kombucha
The Tool Library (2626 Main Street)
This workshop will cover the basics of making sourdough and kombucha at home, including starting and maintaining a sourdough starter, brewing and flavoring kombucha, and learning simple techniques for successful fermentation.
Tickets are $20 for TL members and $30 for general admission.
Saturday, Oct. 31st, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tools & Treats Tool and Bake Sale
The Tool Library (2626 Main Street)
Join us for a sidewalk sale where we’ll be slinging delicious baked good and hundreds of tools ranging from hammers and wrenches, to circular saws, drills, woodworking tools, garden tools, lawnmowers, and more!