Zero Waste Tableware Lending Library
In 2019 alone, this popular program provided service ware to 85 nonprofit and private gatherings, from sports banquets and weddings, to book launches and neighborhood potlucks.
Bainbridge Island Zero Waste maintains an ever-changing inventory spreadsheet, which can be perused upon request. Just write to any of our four volunteer Zero Waste librarians: Jane Martin, Susan Knell, or Diane Landry. When you write in, please tell us what your event is, when it will take place, and the approximately how many will attend.
Borrowers are expected to wash and dry all items before returning and to notify us of any breakage or missing pieces.
Here is a sample of our inventory, with approximate quantities in parentheses:
- glasses, various drinking (500), wine (250) and champagne (55)
- forks, various dinner (350) and dessert (380)
- knives, various (500)
- spoons, various tea (340) and table (340)
- plates, various dinner (340)/ dessert (400) – Corelle and other types
- bowls, various types (60)
- napkins, various (700)
- round/rectangular tablecloths, various solid colors and sizes (220)
- coffee makers
- water dispensers
- warming trays… and more
If you are interested in planning a “sustainable” wedding, consult this resource guide.
We do not purchase new items for the library, practicing our credo that reuse is better in creating less waste. In fact, many of our acquisitions have come from donations. Currently we are looking for Corelle (any pattern) dinner and dessert plates and bowls. Please contact us if you have any you would like to donate.
The library is free to use. If, after using the service, you feel like making a monetary donation, it will be put to good use in supplementing our library stock with Rotary Auction or Goodwill purchases. If you have something you think might be a possible addition, please let us know.
The loaning “library” is a fantastic idea! Thank you so much for all of your help borrowing items for our son’s wedding reception. Lots of people commented especially on the glass Mason jars. We bought black chalkboard labels and had those out for guests to put their names on their glasses. The bride, a graphic designer, made a nice sign that said, “Here is your glass for the evening.” Thank you again!