Reduce waste in October at unique workshops, volunteer events & swaps/sales with The Tool Library

Press release

This October, for the third year in a row, The Tool Library is proud to present “Circular October.” This month-long series of hands-on programs, community events and workshops shows what a more circular local economy can look like – and invites Western New Yorkers to participate. The current economy encourages people to buy, use and discard. “Circular October” offers a different model: share, repair and reuse.

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. A circular economy challenges the traditional “take, make, waste” model by prioritizing repair, reuse, recycling and upcycling.

The need for change is urgent; each year more than 100 billion tons of raw materials are extracted worldwide yet, as of the end of 2025, only 6.9% make their way back into the economy, down from 7.2% from past years. Meanwhile, global waste already exceeds 2 billion tons annually and is projected to climb to 3.4 billion tons by 2050.

All “Circular October” programming is crafted to inspire and equip the community to take tangible steps toward building a circular economy, starting in members’ own backyards. Whether one has a lot of money and time on their hands or little of either, these programs offer a variety of ways to participate in the circular economy.

“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,” Tool Library Executive Director Darren Cotton said. “ ‘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!”

Below is the full schedule of events. Many are free while others may include a small workshop fee to support the cost of operating the program. Learn more and register for events at http://www.thetoollibrary.org/circular.

•Fall service day: Main Street cleanup and bulb planting: Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. I The Tool Library Shop (2626 Main St., Buffalo): Clean up Main Street, plant bulbs and prepare gardens for next spring. Each of these simple acts reflects the spirit of circularity as people restore what already exists and invest in a healthier community.

•Fall gardening workshop: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 6-8 p.m. I Private garden (location shared upon ticket purchase): 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, Oct. 8, 6-8 p.m. I West Side Community Services (161 Vermont St. Buffalo): 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 and mending workshop: Monday, Oct. 12 (donation drop-off only), and Tuesday, Oct. 13, 5-7:30 p.m. I The Tool Library Shop (2626 Main St., Buffalo): A good, old-fashioned clothing swap. On Oct. 12, the public is invited to drop off gently used clothing (no undergarments, please). Then, on Oct. 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 and stewardship: Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. I Norfolk @ E. Delavan (1016 E. Delavan, Buffalo): A community cleanup and tree stewardship along William Gaiter. This is a continuation of a long-time partnership with the Norfolk Avenue Block Club No. 1, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across multiple years and locations to support the circular economy.

•Buffalo Sewing Club upcycled workshops: Monday, Oct. 19, 6-8 p.m.; Tuesday, Oct. 20, 6-8 p.m. I The Tool Library Shop (2626 Main St., Buffalo): 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, Oct. 24, 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. I Sustainable Workforce Training Center (300 Hampshire St., Buffalo): We 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 our generous fixers, bring your broken household items for a fix and add to those numbers!

•Sourdough and kombucha workshops: Monday, Oct. 26, 5-7 p.m. I The Tool Library Shop (2626 Main St., Buffalo): 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, Oct. 31, noon to 4 p.m. I The Tool Library Shop (2626 Main St., Buffalo): Join us for our spookiest sidewalk sale to date where we’ll 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!

For more information on these events, or to sign up to participate, visit http://www.thetoollibrary.org/circular.