There is a free library in Kleve, for example, at the Reichswalder Church, which is maintained by the Reichswalde local history association. Here, books are swapped so that a book can be read by more than one pair of eyes. Sarah Kisakye wondered why such libraries couldn’t also be used to offer other well-preserved items such as clothing, toys or tools. And with this idea, she hit the nail on the head for this year’s Klever Birne challenge: How can we share resources and promote sustainability in the community? ‘By sharing things we hardly use or no longer use with others,’ says Sarah.
Physical exchange points instead of digital platforms
To this end, she proposes that the city administration in Kleve set up permanent storage cabinets where items in good condition can be dropped off and picked up as needed. These would be managed by a team of volunteers. Access should be uncomplicated, the location easily accessible, and opening hours as extensive as possible.
In addition, these stationary exchange cabinets could be expanded to include tool libraries. Here, tools that are not available in every household could be borrowed for a small fee. To reduce acquisition costs, Sarah envisages that the equipment would also be built up here using donated tools such as sewing machines, ladders, drills or garden tools. To cover costs such as repairs, a small monthly fee would be charged for the tool library – similar to the usage fee for a public library.
A place for community
By offering additional workshops where expert volunteers share their knowledge of repairs, do-it-yourself (DIY) and recycling, there is an opportunity to create exchange platforms as so-called third places. This creates spaces for community and encounter. The idea promotes community and trust. Values that Sarah feels are disappearing in society. The exchange platforms could therefore also promote social interaction.
Saving resources through shared use
‘My idea helps people save money: if I borrow something, I don’t have to buy it new. This also reduces consumption and thus the resources required for production, transport and distribution. Overall, this leads to a smaller carbon footprint for the individual participating households.’
Sarah is convinced that the culture of reuse is a forward-looking solution for climate protection in the long term, but also for social interaction: ‘My swap stations promote a no-waste mentality and encourage generosity through the donation of items.’
Curious? View individual introductions to this year’s finalists here on our website or on our social media channels in the coming weeks leading up to the Klever Birne award ceremony on 11 September 2025 and find out more. Admission to the award ceremony is free of charge, but registration is requested.
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