We live in a society that encourages waste. Why repair a broken item when you can just go out and buy a new one for cheap? This economic model is unstainable to say the least. What happened to the good ole days when things were made to last and care was taken to produce durable products? I miss those days, but just because we’re enslaved to this capitalist hell hole, does not mean that we can’t make individual changes. I’m going to start making the effort to not only repair broken items, but buy durable, long-lasting products instead of cheap disposable ones.
I’m a resale shopper, so I often end up with cheap products. This isn’t so much a problem when it comes to every day clothes, but for work clothes and good shoes, going the cheap route can actually end up costing you more. I remember the first time I splurged on proper hiking boots instead of opting for the less expensive brand. They’ve lasted me for years, and I’m so glad I paid the extra money. Buy quality products and you’ll make less repairs.
But when you do have a shirt that needs mended, or an appliance that’s stopped working, or a broken cup, how do you fix it? My grandparents were born and raised during the Great Depression and they had a wealth of knowledge about making items last and repairing those that were broken. Can we revive that Great Depression spirit of no waste, saavy, thrifty, ingenuity? I sure hope so because at this rate we might not have a choice in coming years.
According to the Zero Waste Blog, the two items most commonly thrown away for being broken are clothing and electronics. Clothes are actually pretty easy to mend and repair. And if you’re not sure how, consider this handy guide from Sew Guide. Electronics are a little more complicated, however. Fortunately, there are many tutorials online from sites like ifixit. If it’s beyond repair, find your local electronic recycling business. Don’t chuck it in the garbage bin.
Having less items to worry about can also cut down on the number of repairs to be made. Once again, I highly encourage the minimalist lifestyle. Part ways with the unnecessary junk and save yourself the headache of having to repair and maintain too much stuff. This way you can focus on the items that really matter to you. I’m eager to take on this challenge by committing to repairing broken items instead of just throwing them away. Wish me luck!