Seattle REconomy and our Shoreline Tool Library recently completed the Shoreline Sustainable Skill Series, a series funded by a grant from the City of Shoreline, Washington. This series of nine classes focused on sustainability and do-it-yourself (DIY) classes and events. All of the classes were free to the public, whether or not they were members of the Shoreline Tool Library.
We had several goals for this grant. It was important for us to help folks prevent and reduce waste by providing the local community the opportunity to share and learn skills that build the practice of reuse and upcycling, help accessibility to practical, money-saving skills, and foster community wellbeing, which, in turn, fosters community resilience. The grant intended to increase personal awareness of individual responsibility for the stewardship of natural resources and the environment. We also wanted to create partnerships amongst community groups, businesses, and the City that promote a sustainable community environment in the City of Shoreline. With this, we strived to contribute to regional initiatives that enhance and protect the environment.
Over four months, the Shoreline Tool Library did so by providing classes on Seed Saving, Reuse and Sharing in the PNW, Bike Maintenance, Tool Sharpening, Machine Sewing, Basic Home Maintenance, Chainsaw Sharpening, Kiddos Create a Holiday Ornament, and How to Buy a Used Bike.
| Class name | Class description |
| Seed Saving | Learn how to save your seeds for next season from Marni, a certified sustainable urban agriculturist and owner of Growing Roots Together. |
| Reuse and Sharing in the PNW | Seattle REconomy Executive Director, Josh Epstein will present how we create more resilient communities, followed by a community discussion. |
| Basic Bicycle Maintenance | Learn about basic bicycle maintenance from two Bike Shack mechanics. |
| Tool Sharpening | Learn how to clean and sharpen your tools to make the job easier. You can even bring your own in! |
| Machine Sewing 101 | You'll leave this class with the foundation for utilizing a standard home sewing machine. |
| Home Maintenance | We'll address common household problems with ready-to-use solutions. |
| Chainsaw Sharpening | Learn how to properly sharpen and tension a chainsaw chain using hand tools. |
| Kids Make an Upcycled Holiday Ornament | Kids 5+ can come create ornaments for the holidays with repurposed materials. |
| How to Buy a Used Bicycle | We'll go over all of the things you'll want to keep in mind when you're buying a used bike. |
It all started earlier this year when we applied for and were awarded a $5000 Environmental Mini-Grant from the City of Shoreline. Once it was awarded, we began to plan the classes by identifying topics and securing instructors. We posted the classes on our website, promoted them on social media, and handed out flyers at our tool libraries and the opening day celebration of the Shoreline Link Light Rail stations.
The excitement for these classes was immediate. Several began filling before we published them online. Ultimately, almost every class developed a lengthy waitlist. Each class focused on empowering students with new skills and knowledge. Many students told us “I’ve heard about the Shoreline Tool Library, but I’ve never been here before". The classes were a great way to introduce members of the community to the sharing economy that tool libraries provide.
We’re very pleased with the success of these classes and grateful to the City of Shoreline for funding the Shoreline Sustainable Skill Series. The popularity of many of the classes we offered in the series has resulted in our scheduling Tool Sharpening, Machine Sewing, Chainsaw Sharpening and Basic Home Repair again in 2025. Stay tuned to our newsletter, website, customizable email notifications, and posts on social media to keep informed about all of our classes!
