We use a wide variety of things every day, and when they break, we throw them away. It’s easy to get rid of things but not very durable. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce waste. We already had the idea of a barter economy, but now we also have a repair economy. Repair economy: sounds like a buzzword? Here’s why it’s so essential for a greener future!Why is Repair on the Rise?
1) Sustainability
The biggest reason to repair things instead of throwing them away is durability. Even if we are not aware of it daily, the things we use significantly impact the environment. Consider a tool that many of us have: the laptop computer.
According to research, laptops are damaging the earth. For example, an average of 628 kilograms of toxic substances are emitted in the manufacture of a single laptop. This is equivalent to the weight of 20 small children.
There are good reasons to repair laptops and buy refurbished products. In this case, we are talking about laptops, but clothing, for example, also has a (hidden) significant impact.
For example, it takes about 10,000 liters of water to produce one pair of jeans, and the production process emits 32 kg of CO2! We bet you had no idea about this!
2) Hiring Locally
Repairing is not only good for the planet, but it is also beneficial for people’s personal interests. After all, repairing leads to local employment. The repair economy creates more jobs for people with few or no average qualifications.
This is because these activities are under tremendous pressure from globalization, automation, and robotization. Moreover, repairers often work for small local companies, contributing to the diversity and social cohesion of the cityscape. So there are only benefits.
This will also help improve the conditions under which we work. For example, our e-waste is processed by disadvantaged people in poor conditions. When we have our electronics repaired, this type of waste is reduced. As a result, fewer people will suffer from health problems.
Cost Savings From Repairing Equipment
Want to save money by repairing instead of replacing? Then take a look at the following tips:
1) Maintain Your Stuffs
For example, by descaling your kettle from time to time, you can reduce the time it takes for water to boil. It saves energy and reduces the kettle’s likelihood of breaking due to limescale. Therefore, it is essential to maintain the equipment properly. You can find out how to do this in the user manual. Many other little tricks and tips like this can help you keep your appliances functioning properly for longer.
2) Do-It-Yourself Repairs
Some products can be easily repaired by yourself. This reduces costs and allows you to work sustainably.
3) Visit the Repair Cafe
Repair Cafés are free meetings where you can repair items. Tools and materials are available for all kinds of repairs. There are also volunteers with repair knowledge and skills who can help. By doing so, you can do something good for both you and the climate. So, try to find a repair cafe near you. Don’t want to do the repairs yourself? Then find a professional mechanic that can visit you!
As you can see repairing can be much better in so many aspects of life. However, you should be mindful and decide well what can and cannot be repaired. In some cases, a new appliance may be more efficient than the broken one you have now. In this situation, it may be better to replace the appliance. Refrigerators, freezers, and dryers, in particular, form part of such appliances, and they have also become much more economical in recent years.
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