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Something that is so sad about our society today is that everything is considered disposable. I mean everything. It’s not just single use plastics that are making their way to the landfill, but also electronics, clothing, shoes, toys, appliances, and so much more. Most people would rather spend the money and buy an entirely new item than spend the time trying to fix it. This is a result of having cheap products and everything available at our fingertips. We can save so much plastic from the landfill with just a few small changes.
Today’s Challenge: Make a list of repair shops to have handy the next time something breaks. I’m not talking about your furnace or car, I’m talking about everyday home items. Find the nearest tailor or dry cleaner that does zipper and other clothing repairs. If you have Patagonia clothing, you can send them in for free repairs. Look for a nearby shoe repair store. Locate appliance, computer, vacuum and other electronic repair depots. Make sure to place your list somewhere that is easily accessible to everyone in the family.
When something does break down, avoid the knee-jerk reaction to throw it away. First, consider trying to do small repairs yourself or asking a friend or family member for assistance. Sometimes all that is needed is a needle and thread or a bit of super glue. If you know someone with a sewing machine, ask if you can borrow it. If you don’t have common tools like screwdrivers or if you need a special tool, you can check with your local library to see if they have tools available to checkout or ask your neighbor if you can borrow. Once you determine you cannot fix the item on your own, this is the time to consult your repair list. The last resort is the garbage and recycling bin.
One other note on this subject: it pays to do your research and fork over a little bit more money to make sure that what you do buy is quality and therefore less likely to tear or breakdown. Buy Me Once sells vetted items to last a lifetime. Best Products and Consumer Reports do extensive reviews of products. Avoid impulse buys and you may just save in the long run.
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