When the Keep El Paso Beautiful organization promoted its city-wide beautification program, staff discovered that El Paso residents really wanted to jump on that wagon, but many didn’t own the tools necessary for routine cleanups. That need sparked an idea that now helps community members take action.

  By setting up public tool shed “lending libraries” across the city, the Keep El Paso Beautiful (KEPB) program empowers an entire community. Located at each El Paso Fire Department station, the sheds are open to the public; operate on a checkout system; are free; and are stocked with rakes, shovels, brooms, bags, gloves, gardening tools, push mowers, and dry/wet vacuums—all the items needed for a beautification project. Partnering with the El Paso Fire Department allows easy access to the sheds and gives El Pasoans the tools they need to revamp their neighborhoods. In addition, the Environmental Services Department offers free removal of all debris from any project with more than 20 volunteers.

  The city estimates each shed contributes annually to the removal of 10 tons of trash and illegally dumped debris. In addition, the community tool sheds helped boost growth of the KEPB program, from an estimated 45 cleanup projects a year in 2004 to more than 350 projects a year. KEPB employees also use the tool sheds to teach young people the importance of neighborhood pride and environmental stewardship.

  KEPB solicited initial funding from a local home improvement center to launch the KEPB Community Tool Shed program. Additional funding has come from community members, the Paso Del Norte Health Foundation, and the Rio Grande Council of Governments. In early 2007, the program completed installing sheds at all 30 El Paso Fire Department stations, inspiring even more people to keep El Paso beautiful.