We here at LendList.org make a big deal about why lending is good, but equally as important is borrowing. Obviously, to lend an item requires someone to borrow it but it goes beyond this.

When it comes to the environment, the borrower is the person who is actively reducing consumption. The lenders are facilitators. They have the benefit of owning the item and using it with zero hassle. The borrower is the one making the decision not to buy an item. Not to own it, but to go out of their way to borrow it from someone.

By borrowing from someone you are giving them a tremendous dose of encouragement. You are saying that it was worth it for them to post that item, that their possessions are of wider value, and you are allowing them to contribute to a reduction in consumption.
We need lenders and borrowers. There is no shame in being a borrower, even if (especially if) you have very few items to lend out, or have posted items but haven’t lent many, if any, out.

So let’s actively borrow what we want and need. If you still feel guilty, do something good with the money you save