A circular economy is a strong economy.
Often times we think of money when we think of a circular economy. When we spend money right in our own communities, that money stays in the communities where it is spent.
The notion of circular economies can also be taken a step further.
Have you ever stopped to think about the money that we spend, and how our purchases affect the planet?
Throughout the month of October, The Tool Library will be hosting a number of workshops that are designed to demonstrate the benefits of “not spending,” and instead sharing, repairing, reusing, and rebuilding.
Our current economy encourages us to buy, use, and discard. Circular October offers a different model: share, repair, reuse, and build together.
The eco effort – laden with workshops, community events, repair cafés, service days, swaps, and sales – is called “Circular October.”
“Building a more sustainable WNY can start with small actions like repairing the things we own, sharing more of what we have with our neighbors, and being better stewards of the places that make our communities great,” said Tool Library Executive Director Darren Cotton. “Circular October is an invitation to imagine and practice a local economy that puts people and planet over profit. We hope you’ll join us!”
The need for change is urgent.
- More than 100 billion tons of raw materials are extracted around the world each year, while only 6.9% of materials were estimated to be recirculated back into the global economy at the end of 2025.
- Global waste generation already exceeds 2 billion tons annually and is projected to reach 3.4 billion tons by 2050.
A circular economy is: An approach to resource use that seeks to minimize waste and keep products and materials in use for as long as possible. Instead of the traditional “take, make, waste” model, a circular economy prioritizes sharing, repair, reuse, recycling, and upcycling.
Fall Service Day: Main St Cleanup + Bulb Planting
Saturday, October 3, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
The Tool Library Shop (2626 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214)
The Tool Library will be cleaning up Main Street, planting bulbs and preparing their gardens for next spring. Each of these simple acts reflects the spirit of circularity as they restore what already exists and invest in a healthier community.
Fall Gardening Workshop
Tuesday, October 6, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Private Garden (Location shared upon ticket purchase)
Tickets: $30 for general public | $20 for Tool Library members (scholarship seats available)
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. Participants will also learn best practices for supporting wildlife through the winter and creating a healthier, more resilient garden year-round.
Dare to Repair Café
Thursday, October 8, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
West Side Community Services (161 Vermont St. Buffalo, NY 14213)
The community is invited to bring their broken household items to this pop-up community repair event, where a team of volunteer fixers will work alongside them to try to repair them — for free!
Clothing Swap + Mending Workshop
Tuesday, October 13, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The Tool Library Shop (2626 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214)
The Tool Library is hosting a good old-fashioned clothing swap. Drop off clothes during regular hours at The Tool Library starting 10/1 as well as 10/12 from 4:30-7:00 PM. Then, on October 13, come back to browse the donations and take home new-to-you pieces. Additionally, a volunteer seamstress will be there to show ways to mend clothing. It’s a fun, simple way to refresh your wardrobe and keep clothing out of the landfill.
Fall Service Day: William Gaiter Cleanup + Stewardship
Saturday, October 17, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Norfolk @ E. Delavan (1016 E. Delavan, Buffalo, NY 14215)
The Tool Library will be hosting a community cleanup and tree stewardship along William Gaiter. This is a continuation of a long time partnership with the Norfolk Avenue Block Club #1, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across multiple years and locations to support the circular economy.
Buffalo Sewing Club Upcycled Workshops
Monday, October 19, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 20, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
The Tool Library Shop (2626 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214)
Tickets: $30 for general public | $20 for Tool Library members (scholarship seats available)
Grab a thimble and get nimble with these interactive workshops in collaboration with the Buffalo Sewing Club! Renew torn textiles and old clothes while developing sewing skills.
Dare to Repair Café
Saturday, October 24, 11:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Sustainable Workforce Training Center (300 Hampshire St, Buffalo, NY 14213)
The Tool Library couldn’t think of a more aptly named location to host the second Dare to Repair Café of Circular October 2026! With thousands of pounds of items diverted over the years from landfills for free by their generous fixers, bring your broken household items for a fix and add to those numbers!
Sourdough + Kombucha Workshops
Monday, October 26, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
The Tool Library Shop (2626 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214)
Tickets: $30 for general public | $20 for Tool Library members (scholarship seats available)
With over 1 billion tons of food waste produced annually, every morsel and crumb helps to make a difference. Get circular and sustainable with the most delicious workshop thus far. Sourdough starters and gut-friendly kombucha galore!
Tools & Treats Tool and Bake Sale
Saturday, October 31, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Tool Library Shop (2626 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214)
Join The Tool Library for their spookiest sidewalk sale to date where they will be slinging delicious baked goods and hundreds of tools ranging from hammers and wrenches to circular saws, drills, woodworking tools, garden tools, lawnmowers and so much more. Tools are priced on a pay-what-you-can scale, any offer accepted!
For more information on these events or to sign up to participate, visit www.thetoollibrary.org/circular