In the city of Velenje, a shop for borrowing items called "Nucarnica" has opened its doors. Residents can borrow appliances and tools they do not use frequently, almost for free. This allows them to save money and contribute to waste reduction.
Velenje, a city of around 25,000 inhabitants, thrived in the last century thanks to mining. Today, it is seeking new opportunities as the lignite mine, as part of the phase-out of fossil fuels, will gradually close in the coming years.
Another aspect of the future different from the mining town is called "Nucarnica". It is a kind of "object library" that allows residents to borrow devices, tools, and other equipment, especially household appliances that they only need occasionally. At Nucarnica, they can borrow a lawnmower, a grinder, a pressure washer, a leaf blower, a drill, an ice maker, a VHS cassette player, a cassette player, a sewing machine, a fruit dehydrator, kitchen utensils, a disco light show, a projector, sports equipment, etc.
Symbolic rental fees
Nucarnica started operating in April 2024 and currently offers 45 tools, devices, and other accessories. It is open every day from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm. Members pay an annual fee of 10 euros, and when they borrow a device, they pay an additional fifty cents for usage fees. To borrow more valuable tools, they must pay a deposit of 50 euros, which is refunded upon return. It is also possible to borrow items without a subscription. Non-members pay 2 euros per day to rent smaller items and 5 euros per day to rent larger tools or devices.
The number of registered members reaches 165 six months after the opening. Users most often borrow a battery-powered washing vacuum, a projector, and a battery-powered telescopic saw. The Municipality of Velenje has decided to finance the purchase of the most popular items by buying three new tools for Nucarnica last week: an angle grinder, a brush cutter, and a high-pressure cleaner.
"The project promotes sustainable management, reduces the amount of waste, and eases family budgets," summarizes the municipality of Velenje, which supports the project with the help of European funds. At least three other similar rental companies operate in Slovenia, in Nova Mesto, Nova Gorica, and Ljubljana. They have also been established in cooperation with the non-profit organization ZEOS, (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Management Company of Slovenia), founded based on the European directive on waste management and fulfilling legal obligations regarding electronic waste, used batteries, and waste from funeral candles.
Reducing electronic waste
Electronic waste is actually the fastest-growing waste stream in the European Union. Yet, less than 40% of it is recycled. Electronic waste consists of discarded electrical and electronic equipment. These contain materials that can pollute the environment and increase health risks. To reduce the amount of electronic waste, we should mainly buy fewer electronic devices. That is why object rental services that we do not need every day are very useful.
As explained by Urša Dolinšek, Public Relations Manager of ZEOS collaborates with rental companies as part of the European project "Life We Promote the Circular Economy of Electronics". "Rental companies such as Nucarnica certainly fall into this category, which is why we gladly joined the implementation of this excellent local project."
"In the sharing of objects, we see an environmentally and socially respectful alternative to traditional consumption. Each rental and exchange of objects contributes to a better use of natural resources, reduces waste production, and also allows for savings," she further explains. Before analyzing: "The reasons why individuals opt for such practices are diverse, some wishing to live more simply, others to contribute to nature preservation in this way, others to save money. Many people also choose this method to have new experiences and strengthen mutual trust within the local community".
Main photo: @Frauke Riether Pixabay