Opinion: There's a need to revaluate the importance of repairing goods and products as part of a sustainable future
The intense frustration I felt when the washing machine broke down highlighted a common dilemma faced by many in today's world. Although it only required one part to be replaced, the search for it was futile. Several phone inquiries led to the same recommendation that it would be cheaper to buy a new one. Considering the cost of the part, labour, skill, and time required, it indeed seemed more economical to purchase a new washing machine.
Many of us have opted to purchase new items to instead of repairing broken ones. How many things have we replaced because it was more convenient? From the clothes we wear to the gadgets we use and the appliances that furnish our homes: how much of these things were really beyond repair?
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Ray D'Arcy Show, Nessa Doran O'Reilly from the Rediscovery Centre in Dublin on furniture repair and restoration
There was a point in time when repairing was the norm not the exception. When things broke, we found ways to fix them. Objects used to be valued for their durability and longevity, and the skills and knowledge required to fix them were widespread.
The combined effects of mass production and cheap labour were instrumental in the gradual disappearance of repair shops. It became not only faster and cheaper to replace items, but also more convenient. This shift was hastened by the strategy of planned obsolescence – designing products with a limited life span – which made replacement a more economical choice than repair. Consequently, a throwaway culture emerged.
The once widespread presence of repair shops showed how society value longevity, resilience, and sustainability. Conversely, their disappearance mirrors our transition to a wasteful society, where the design, cost and convenience have conspired to make disposability the more attractive option.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Today with Claire Byrne, technology journalist Ciara O'Brien from The Irish Times on smartphones you can fix yourself
The ramifications of this shift are far reaching. Personally, it cultivates a mindset of disposability by trivialising the value of objects and by extension, the resources required for their creation. The fast fashion phenomenon is a case in point; a rubbish truck full of clothes ends up on landfill sites every second. The issue has escalated to the point where a mountain of fast fashion waste in the Chilean desert is visible from space.
Societally, it undermines the skills and knowledge associated with repair, leading to a declining number of individuals capable of fixing things. This in turn can perpetuate labour exploitation, particularly countries in the global south, as the demand for cheap mass-produced goods surges. This deepens the economic inequalities between regions by undermining local economies and craftspeople who are unable to compete with low prices.
Environmentally, it accelerates the depletion of natural resources, fuels the waste crisis and intensifies sustainability challenges. The extraction and processing of raw materials to produce goods have a significant impact on ecosystems, biodiversity, and the carbon footprint.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Ray D'Arcy Show, campaigner Martin O'Sullivan on consumer rights when it comes to repairing household goods
When we choose to replace rather than repair, we are contributing to the vicious cycle of extraction, production and waste. Te accumulation of waste in landfills generates greenhouse gases, contributes to pollution, and poses long-term risks to soil and water quality. This throwaway culture not only depletes out natural resources but also worsens environmental challenges on multiple fronts.
There is a need to revaluate the importance of repair as critical component of a sustainable future. It is important to challenge the linear 'take-make-dispose’ paradigm and prioritise repair, reuse, and recycling. This calls for a shift to a more circular economy where the economic system is aimed at minimising waste and making the most of resources.
As a result of this this, the European Commission has introduced new consumer rights to make repairs easier and more attractive. The "right to repair" proposal is a significant step towards creating a more sustainable economy. Innovative approaches are being adopted worldwide: a shopping centre in Sweden is dedicated entirely to repaired and upcycled goods.
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From Gaff Goddess, how to fix your couch
Different companies are commited to reducing plastic waste by reusing and upcycling it to create new products which demonstrates that it is possible to create value and elegance without destroying the world we live in. These innovations promote the concepts of repair, reuse and recycling and also help reduce waste, lower carbon footprint and encourage sustainable consumption patterns. They demonstrate that it is possible to create solutions that have a positive impact on both the environment and society with inventive thinking and a dedication to sustainability.
Reviving the repair economy requires a collaborative effort from governments, businesses, and consumers alike. It demands that we revaluate our priorities and redefine our notions of convenience, cost, and value. Governments need to implement policies and regulations that promote sustainable practices. Businesses need to innovate and adopt more sustainable business models. And consumers need to change their consumption patterns and make more sustainable choices to value the things we already own, the resources we use and the world we inhabit.
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
