It's important to remember that every new item we purchase comes with an environmental cost. From the extraction of materials to the energy required for production, the resources needed for manufacturing and the emissions generated during transport and shipping, each step contributes to environmental degradation.
In fact, material use across sectors like transport, housing and consumer goods is cumulatively viewed as the single largest determinant of energy use and emissions . By cutting down on buying new and instead repairing what we already own, we can slash material use, our emissions footprint and how much waste we generate.
Taking the time to repair to extend the lifespan of the products we use not only benefits the planet but also the wallet. Most repair solutions are far cheaper than buying new, especially with the help of free online tutorials, borrowing tools from family or friends or using community resources like tool libraries and repair cafés (which typically offer affordable annual memberships).
According to research from Gateway Bank, the average Australian spends $1,460 every year replacing items instead of repairing them, coming up to a total of $28.3 billion as a nation. While some of this is due to products being designed in ways that make them difficult to repair, there are still steps we can take to ensure repairing and mending are considered before buying new.
Six tips to help you start a habit of repair:
Pause before tossing
Before discarding an item, have a quick think whether it’s fixable. Developing the mindset of ‘repair first’ can help you shift away from the habit of immediate replacement. Start by setting aside a designated area for items that need fixing and make it a goal to repair them on a free weekend.
2. Search for troubleshooting solutions
A quick online search can uncover simple DIY guides/manuals or local repair options for a range of products. You may even come across tips from others online who have encountered similar issues and found solutions that have worked for them.
3. Learn basic repair skills
Learning simple repair techniques like sewing, gluing or tightening screws can significantly help your repair efforts, while investing in basic tools such as a sewing kit, super glue or screwdrivers is also recommended.
4. Support local repair services
Visit your local cobbler, seamstress or repair professional nearby who can help restore your items to good condition.
5. Join a repair café
There are over 100 repair cafes across Australia that repair a range of items like televisions, laptops, toys, furniture and more! Find one near you here.
6. Opt for brands and businesses that will also repair for you
Brands like Patagonia, Nudie Jeans and others offer repair and mend programs to customers that ensure professional quality without the need to buy new.
Common items that can be repaired:
Fashion items
Jackets, sneakers, socks and other items can often be repaired with basic sewing, patching or cleaning. There are countless online tutorials that can help you get creative and restore your favourite pieces to good condition while adding a unique style to your wardrobe. If your everyday sneakers are looking worn out, consider taking them to a sneaker cleaner or use a DIY solution to freshen them up!
Cookware and pottery
Broken bowls, plates and other pottery items can be pieced together with lacquer and gold using the Japanese art of Kintsugi (which means ‘golden repair’). Similarly, loose handles on cookware can often be tightened with a simple screwdriver and chipped dishes can be repaired with epoxy.
Reclaimed Japanese tea cup using Kintsugi method (Image: Ededchechine/Pixabay)
Electronics
Broken screens or faulty batteries can be tricky to repair on your own, but don’t toss them out just yet! Consider taking them to a professional or if you’re feeling techy, use online tutorials to guide you through the repair process using the right tools and parts.
White goods
Common household products like fridges and washers as well as smaller appliances like vacuum cleaners, portable fans and sewing machines often have issues due to minor problems like tangled cords, dust buildup or clogged parts. These can usually be fixed by disassembling and cleaning the appliance. For more serious issues, consulting a professional might be your best bet.
If an item is beyond repair and you have exhausted other options to re-home or repurpose, ensure you dispose of it responsibly either through your local council or through a designated recycling scheme. Visit Recycling Near You for more information.