Repair, Don't Throw Away: Why We Should All Choose the Repair Path
We live in an era where objects are often perceived as disposable. When an appliance stops working, or when a chair chips, the first common reaction is to throw it away and replace it with something new. But what would happen if we changed our perspective and chose to repair instead of throwing away? Repairing not only prolongs the life of objects, but reduces their environmental impact, saves us money and, often, gives us the opportunity to rediscover the satisfaction of bringing something back to life with our own hands. Let's see why the choice to repair is more relevant than ever, and how we can adopt it in our daily lives.
1. Reduce Waste and Fight Planned Obsolescence
Every time we throw away an object, we contribute to the growth of the mountain of waste that impacts the environment. Many devices and objects in common use are subject to what is called "planned obsolescence": they are designed to stop working or become obsolete after a certain period. Repairing means opposing this logic, giving us the power to determine the life of our possessions ourselves, rather than supporting a continuous replacement cycle that generates waste.
2. Save money and resources
Repairing an object is generally less expensive than buying a new one, and this allows for significant savings in the long term. For example, repairing a smartphone instead of buying a new one can cost less than half the price of a new model. Furthermore, by extending the life of our objects, we reduce the need for new resources for production, such as minerals, metals and plastics, whose extraction and processing irreparably damage the environment.
3. Rediscover the Value of Craftsmanship and Handmade Repairs
Repairing brings us back to the value of craftsmanship and manual skills. It is rewarding to learn how to sew a torn dress, fix a chair or replace a part of an appliance. Every repaired object tells a story and becomes more valuable because we brought it back to life.
4. Repairing to Educate for Sustainability
Repairing is an act of sustainability that also inspires those around us, especially the new generations. Showing children and young people how to repair objects can convey values of care and respect towards things. A repaired object becomes a symbol of a conscious and attentive mentality to the impact of one's actions, teaching the little ones that everything has value and should not be discarded lightly.
How to Start?
Many of us do not know where to start to repair an object. But with a quick online search, we can find countless tutorials and guides to repair almost anything, from furniture to appliances. There are also platforms like iFixit that provide detailed instructions on how to fix electronic devices, making repair accessible to everyone. Another important resource is local communities: many cities organize repair days or dedicated workshops.
The Benefits of Repairing Clothes
Fashion is one of the most polluting sectors, and clothes are often considered almost disposable. However, with a few basic tools like a needle, thread and a little creativity, we can extend the life of our favorite clothes. Simple repairs like replacing buttons, mending holes or reshaping old clothes not only save us money, but help to combat the throwaway mentality in the fashion industry.
The Impact of Repair on the Environment
Every time we repair an object we prevent it from becoming waste and reduce the demand for new products. Producing a new device or piece of furniture involves the consumption of energy and the extraction of raw materials that lead to huge CO2 emissions and environmental pollution. Repairing, on the other hand, has a minimal environmental impact and allows us to save resources, making a concrete contribution to protecting the environment.
Conclusion: A New Culture of Value
Repairing is much more than a simple practical act: it is a return to awareness and the value of things. Every repair is an opportunity to rediscover human ingenuity, reduce our environmental impact and spread a more sustainable culture. Every small gesture, like repairing instead of throwing away, contributes to building a better future.
