Empowering Repairs: A Movement Towards Self-Sustainability

When faced with a malfunctioning smartphone, many people are quick to either seek professional help or opt for an upgrade. However, Suhaib took the initiative to tackle the challenge himself. Unable to pay for the repair of his broken screen, he ordered a replacement online, followed an instructional video, and completed the repair on his own. "The process took about two hours, and I was quite anxious," he recalls. His determination transformed him into a go-to resource for classmates in Canada looking to fix their phones, as he became the unofficial repair technician of his school.

Suhaib represents a growing trend of individuals who wish to mitigate the escalating problem of electronic waste. In 2019 alone, the global production of electronic waste reached an alarming 53.6 million tonnes, with less than 20% successfully recycled, as noted in the United Nations' Global E-waste Monitor 2020. Furthermore, projections suggest that by 2030, this figure could soar to 74 million tonnes. Rolf Skar from Greenpeace USA emphasizes that e-waste is the fastest-growing waste category and that without recycling efforts, we propel destructive mining practices that irreparably damage the environment.

Improving the lifespan of devices could have significant environmental benefits. According to the European Environmental Bureau, prolonging the use of electronics like smartphones by just a year could equate to removing 2 million cars from the roads regarding carbon emissions.

Embracing a repair culture is gaining traction, with Suhaib even launching a YouTube channel called Phone Repair Guru, where he shares repair tutorials with a wider audience. He aims to demystify the repair process, reducing the fear associated with opening up gadgets. "It's your device, and you should have the ability to fix it without barriers," he asserts.

A Shift Towards Sustainable Products

In Europe, new regulations are on the horizon, aiming to enhance the durability and reparability of household appliances, including refrigerators and washing machines. EU Environment Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius has made it clear that the objective is for sustainable products to become commonplace. However, even with the introduction of these regulations, significant concerns remain. Campaigners like Chloé Mikolajczak from Right to Repair Europe argue that the current measures fall short of establishing a genuine right to repair, particularly regarding smartphones and tablets, which are becoming increasingly challenging to repair due to their design.

While the electronics industry asserts that it is working to make products more repairable, perfection is often unattainable. Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl of DigitalEurope acknowledges the complexity of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) products, which can make consumer repairs risky and difficult. The push for a right to repair must also take into account the need for quality assurance and consumer safety.

The Emergence of Repair Cafés

In the meantime, efforts like repair cafés are springing up globally, aiming to create a communal space where individuals can learn to repair broken items. Conceptualized by Martine Postma in Amsterdam, these cafés allow volunteers with repair expertise to assist those with damaged possessions. For instance, Frank Schoofs' Marlow Repair Café enjoys success in the UK, offering free repair services to visitors and fostering community ties in the process.

Repair cafés also reflect differing cultural perspectives on repair. In India, for example, frugality and the need for right to livelihood for repairers inspire a vibrant repair culture. Purna Sarkar's Repair Café Bengaluru convenes workshops across the city, reflecting a rich tradition of extending the life of household items while also addressing practicality and sustainability.

In Argentina, creative problem-solving skills are celebrated through organizations like the Club de Reparadores, where inhabitants share their knowledge and skills towards a collective goal of prolonging the lifespan of products. There, collaboration builds community, fosters empowerment, and cultivates a more conscientious consumer culture.

Nonetheless, advocates of the repair movement stress the need for stricter regulations to ensure that more household items can be repaired sustainably. Calls for legislative reforms emphasize the necessity of preventing manufacturers from discontinuing support for products prematurely or designing items that are almost impossible to fix. The shift towards a repair-friendly paradigm stands to benefit individuals, communities, and the environment as a whole.