Zip Code East Bay has always focused on community building. In this time of COVID, connecting isn’t as easy as it used to be. But there are still plenty of ways we can support each other safely. This month, we’re highlighting some of the great free local services you can find throughout our community. These services quietly support our community by making resources available to all of us.
Buy Nothing Groups: Established in 2013, there are now Buy Nothing Groups in 30 different countries and all across the East Bay. These groups allow neighbors to offer goods they no longer need to their community for free. Buy Nothing Groups keep unwanted items out of the landfill while also saving its members money. You can search for a group near you here.
Tool Lending Libraries: Need a saber saw or a grommet kit? Look no further than your local tool lending library. East Bay cities like Albany, Berkeley, Oakland and Richmond offer tool rentals for anything from landscaping to plumbing to general construction, all for free.
Seed Libraries: If you’re starting to think about your spring garden, look into using a seed library. These libraries provide vegetable, herb and flower seeds for free to the public. If you’re a more experienced gardener, consider donating your extra seeds at the end of the season as well. Check here for a list of local seed libraries close to you!
Little Free Libraries: Little Free Libraries is a neighborhood book exchange where everyone is invited to take or leave a book. There are 100s of little free libraries throughout the community and several right here in Kensington, so free knowledge is always close at hand. Click here to find a LIttle Free Library near you.
Zip Code East Bay also offers its own digital library. If you’re interested in specific information on green homes, greywater systems, ADUs or buying and selling, contact us and we can share our e-booklets for free.
Bay Trail Confidential: Explore Bay Area trails with a knowledgeable guide, from the comfort of your own home. Local, Rodney Paul, leads these free monthly Zoom call where he highlights different parts of the Bay Area Trail. Register here.
We look forward to the day when we can all gather together safely as a community again. Until then, we hope you’ll support all of these wonderful local groups as they continues to support our community.
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