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#fixit

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#DIY and #RepairCafes have gone mainstream!

MAKE DO AND MEND From repair cafes to YouTube videos, how you could save HUNDREDS of pounds fixing broken belongings

Learn tips on how to keep your goods going for longer

by Harriet Cooke, Consumer reporter
14 Mar 2025

Excerpt: "If you’re not hands-on, another solution is to find a local repair cafe.

"There are more than 140 in the UK.

"Professional organiser Janine McDonald, 54, who runs Clear The Clutter Now, visited her local branch in Boothstown, near Manchester, with her 14-year-old Dyson DC24.

"'The motor had gone and it would have cost more than £100 to send it to Dyson to fix.

"'I fixed part of it by watching YouTube but it still wasn’t right, so I took it to my local repair cafe.'"

thesun.co.uk/money/33860996/sa
#DIYVideos #FixIt #RepairCafe #RepairCafesUK #SolarPunkSunday

Collage of three women with tools and baking ingredients.
The Sun · From repair cafes to YouTube videos, how you could save HUNDREDS of pounds fixing broken belongings ...By Harriet Cooke

#KentUK #RepairCafé celebrates decade of reducing waste

Story by Zac Sherratt - BBC News, March 8, 2025

"A Kent repair café which has become a 'cornerstone of sustainability and community spirit' is celebrating a decade since its launch.

"#FavershamRepairCafé runs on the second Saturday of each month at The Spire Church, and this month's session will be exactly 10 years since it began.

"The café's volunteers have repaired more than 2,800 items, from household appliances to cherished personal belongings.

"Founder and chairman Prof Martin Charter said he and the team were looking forward to reducing waste and strengthening community bonds for years to come.

"Prof Charter began a series of pilot repair cafés in 2014 before officially launching the project the following year.

[...]

"More than 6,000 people have visited the café, all playing their part in diverting an estimated 7.5 tonnes of waste from #landfills and saving roughly 70.1 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions."

Source:
msn.com/en-us/news/world/repai
#RepairCafes #RepairCafesUK #SolarPunkSunday #FixIt #RightToRepair

www.msn.comMSN

The US #RightToRepair movement is growing as wins stack up

Story by Iris Kim, March 9, 2025

"Peter Mui, founder of #Fixit Clinic, describes his repair work as a hobby that’s gotten out of control. What started as a tool share in Berkeley, California, has turned into a volunteer-run group that has organized more than 1,300 repair events around the country. At Fixit Clinics, people can bring any broken household item — from worn socks to broken toasters — and learn how to make them functional again.

"'During the last few years, interest in repair has exploded,' Mui said.

"He attributes this cultural shift to a growing awareness about the #environmental impact of #EWaste, as well as a raft of 'right-to-repair' laws passing across the U.S. Historically, manufacturers of computers, cars and tractors have cited copyright law to claim exclusive repair rights, allowing them to sue independent repair companies while preventing consumers from finding lower-cost alternatives.

"But in six states — California, Colorado, Minnesota, Maine, New York and Oregon — #RightToRepair laws have been passed to protect consumers’ ability to repair or modify their products instead of having to go through the manufacturer. Oregon’s law is the most recent, passing in 2024 and going into effect in January.

"As of March, right-to-repair bills had been introduced in all 50 states, and 20 state legislatures are currently debating such bills.

"The laws take different forms. Some narrowly target automobile manufacturers while others are broad enough to cover all consumer electronics. Though bipartisan federal legislation for automobile repair stalled last year, it was reintroduced last month."

Read more:
msn.com/en-us/news/us/the-righ
#PlannedObsolescence #SolarPunkSunday #RepairCafes #ReuseRepairRecycle

www.msn.comMSN

#OrilliaOntario - Need something fixed? #Orillia #RepairCafé returning in April

Event taking place April 5 at St. James' Anglican Church

Mar 14, 2025

"Local residents are invited to bring their broken or torn possessions to St. James’ Church on Saturday, April 5 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), where 'fixers' will be on hand to make repairs and turn their 'trash' into 'treasure' at the eighth Orillia Repair Café, which takes place twice a year.

"The event is supported by local volunteers and Sustainable Orillia, St. James’ Anglican Church and Lake Country Time Trade.

"Light refreshments will be provided as well as child-friendly activities. A new feature this year will be '#BookSwaps,' one for adults and one for children. The café has a friendly and fun ambience and combines an enjoyable family activity with a rewarding outcome.

"Annalise Stenekes has led the project since its inception and has gathered a dedicated and talented team of fixers who will attempt to repair a variety of items, including bicycles, lamps, home appliances, sewing machines, jewelry and audio/visual and computer equipment. Small furniture items will be repaired, clothing and footwear mended and toys given new life.

"Last year, 230 kilograms of items were given a new lease on life, diverting potential waste from the #landfill and saving an estimated $1,000.

"'#Repairing and #reusing broken items, as opposed to disposing of them and purchasing new ones, is a practical and meaningful contribution we can make for our environment,' says local resident Wendy Kirk. 'The Repair Café is also a feel-good place — at times the joy is tangible when someone’s prized item is restored to its former usefulness.'

"Repair Café events are happening around the world, saving money, reducing landfill waste, cutting CO2 emissions, promoting learning and fostering community connections."

Source:
orilliamatters.com/local-news/
#RepairCafesOntario #RepairCafes #BuildingCommunity #SolarPunkSunday #FixIt

OrilliaMatters.com · Need something fixed? Orillia Repair Café returning in AprilEvent taking place April 5 at St. James' Anglican Church

#LondonRepairWeek has already passed, but the article mentions another event, and offers resources:

Breathe new life into broken items with a free fix for London Repair Week

March 1, 2025

"In support of London Repair Week 2025, free repair cafes are being hosted in Redbridge to breathe new life into broken items, helping local people save money, as well as helping the planet.

"As part of the London wide eco-campaign, taking place March 3 – 9, Redbridge Council is supporting two free Repair Cafés in the borough to encourage local people to fix broken items instead of throwing them away:

"Transition Town Ilford is holding a repair café at Redbridge Central library on Saturday March 8 from 2pm-3.45pm. If you can’t make it on the day, they run regular repair cafés at Redbridge Central library on alternate Saturdays from 2pm-3.45pm. For more details go to: transitionilford.org.uk/repair

"Also on Saturday March 8, Redbridge Council’s Neighbourhoods Team, in partnership with the East London Waste Authority, is holding a repair café at Fullwell Cross Library from 12-3pm. This will include electrical, textiles and bike repairs.

"The #SouthWoodford Society is also independently running a repair cafe at St Mary’s Memorial Hall, High Road, South Woodford from 10am-1pm, on Saturday April 26. This will include electrical, mechanical, clothing, glasses, jewellery and bike repairs. For further Repair Café sessions and info go to: southwoodfordsociety.org/repai

"Repairing items not only helps reduce waste, which is great for the environment and tackling climate change, it can also save you money.

"Dilip, is one of the regular repair experts available at the Repair Cafe run by Transition Town Ilford, at Redbridge Central Library."

Original article:
yellowad.co.uk/breathe-new-lif

ArchivedVersion:
archive.ph/goPXJ
#RepairCafesUK #LondonRepairWeek #RepairCafes #SolarPunkSunday #FixIt

#RoxburyNewJersey #RepairCafe coming in May

Feb 26, 2025 Updated Feb 27, 2025

ROXBURY TWP. - "It's time to pull out all those broken or neglected items out of the dark corners, so they can be fixed.
Thanks to a new partnership among the #RoxburyPublicLibrary, the Lake Hopatcong Foundation and Roxbury Township Recycling, Roxbury’s inaugural Repair Café on May 3 and October 18 will give the Roxbury community an awesome opportunity to bring in beloved items for free repairs.

"Right now the Repair organizers, spearheaded by Roxbury Public Library’s Sam Fellman, are looking to confirm volunteer '#fixers' available to help on May 3. Specifically, the Repair Café needs volunteers for: computers/electronics, jewelry, knife sharpening, toys and watches and clocks.

"'Sharing your skills to fix household items can help reduce waste and protect our #environment while passing along valuable #knowledge,' said Lake Hopatcong Foundation Education and Outreach Director Patrick Krudop. 'It’s a meaningful way to make a lasting impact.'

"Anyone who is interested in knowing more or would like to help should complete this form or email sam.fellman@roxburylibrary.org by March 14. Questions can also be directed to the Library at (973) 584-2400.

"'Once we confirm all the fixers, we will be able to announce to the public the different categories our Repair Café will offer,' said Fellman. 'We hope, with as many volunteers helping as possible, to offer a wide-variety of categories.'

"Repair Cafés are becoming increasingly popular within communities, often taking place in libraries, houses or worship, and community centers. Additional information about the May 3 event will be available once all fixers and categories are confirmed."

Original article:
newjerseyhills.com/west_morris

Archived version:
archive.ph/ynCPx
#NewJerseyRepairCafes #SolarPunkSunday #RepairCafe #FixIt #LibrariesRule

#Alabama: #Tuscaloosa #PublicLibrary to host second #RepairCafe

by Allen Smith Mar 2, 2025

"Tuscaloosa Public Library to host second Repair Cafe

"Do you miss wearing your favorite pair of old jeans or using an old household item?

"Tuscaloosa Public Library is hosting its second Repair Cafe on March 22 from noon to 3 p.m.

"Volunteers will have stations for different categories of items and will also be there to teach attendees how to repair some items themselves.

"Organizers are also hoping to save space in local landfills."

Source:
wvua23.com/news/tuscaloosa-pub
#RepairCafesAlabama #SolarPunkSunday #LibrariesRule #FixIt

#Australia: As a place to fix, mend, and connect, #RepairCafes battle loneliness as well as waste

By Emma Hannigan, Wed 12 Feb

"In south-east #Queensland's Scenic Rim, the sound of tools and laughter fills the air at the #TamborineMountain Repair Cafe.

"While 93-year-old volunteer Leon Hughes sharpens a pair of antique Japanese scissors, fellow repairer Neville Warner tackles a piano accordion.

"'We get all kinds of jobs,' according to coordinator Geoff Marshall, 'from sharpening knives, scissors and gardening tools to furniture repairs and fixing wobbly chairs'."

Learn more:
abc.net.au/news/2025-02-13/fix
#RepairCafesAustralia #FixIt #BuildingCommunity #SolarPunkSunday

ABC News · As a place to fix, mend, and connect, repair cafes battle loneliness as well as wasteBy Emma Hannigan

The #NottinghamEngland #RepairCafé encouraging communities to ‘make-do and mend’ rather than buy new

By George Palmer-Soady • Feb 10, 2025

"The sessions teach valuable repairing skills such as knitting, sewing, and woodworking, hoping to encourage people to fix their broken items in their free time

"For one weekend every other month, the upstairs of a church hall in a quiet Nottingham suburb transforms into a fully operating repair café for broken bikes, jewellery, furniture, clothing, and appliances.

"A group of dedicated volunteers sew, mend and cobble together old and worn-out items in the hope of encouraging people to reuse rather than buy new.

"The #NottinghamFixers run these regular ‘bring and fix’ sessions in the #SherwoodMethodistChurch. Residents are invited to bring along broken belongings and have a cup of tea in the entirely volunteer-ran café.

"The group was set up in 2017 and says it’s the original repair shop in the county. Each member is skilled in a specific area of mending – sewing, metalwork, woodwork – and organisers say they are able to fix the majority of items brought in for free.

"Volunteers have noticed an increase in demand as the cost of living crisis has soared. Sarah Maloy, the events organiser, says with less disposable income to spend, she has noticed more of an appetite to reuse and fix old items – saving money and reducing waste.
Sarah Maloy, the events organiser, says with less disposable income to spend, there is more of an appetite to reuse and fix old items

"She said: 'We always see a big demand, particularly for electrical items. They are the things that are the most expensive and break most easily – things people can’t afford to get repaired'.

"The sessions also teach valuable repairing skills such as knitting, sewing, and woodworking, hoping to encourage people to fix broken items in their free time.

"They also act as a space for people to socialise, share a brew and flex their skills, with people regularly taking on volunteering shifts.

"Pamela Davis works in the NHS and has recently started doing sewing shifts at the ‘bring and fix’ sessions, having stitched in her free time for years. She believes by volunteering at the events she is sharing the importance of fixing items rather than binning them – a belief she believes has been lost in recent years.
Pamela Davis works in the NHS and has recently started doing sewing shifts at the ‘bring and fix’ sessions having done it for years as a hobby.

"'I was brought up that way,' she said.

"'Our mother made our clothes – her mother knitted a lot of their clothes. It’s that make-do and mend philosophy that was in the Second World War. It’s drummed into you that you don’t waste anything and it’s a wonderful feeling helping people'.

"There are more than 3,000 repair cafes across the world, with around 600 currently running in the UK. They have existed since 2009 – when the first café was opened in Amsterdam – but have recently shot up in popularity due to the well-known BBC TV show ‘The Repair Shop’.

"In the program, broken or damaged family heirlooms are fixed and brought back to life. There are also repair cafes in #Beeston, #Keyworth, and #WestBridgford run by different groups. The next repair shop session is on April 12 at #Sherwood Methodist Church."

nottstv.com/the-nottingham-rep
#RepairCafesUK #RepairCafes #FixIt #SolarPunkSunday #SolarPunk #RightToRepair #BuildingCommunity #BringAndFix

#Austria: What are #Vienna’s #RepairCafés and how can you find them?

by Amanda Previdelli - 17 Feb, 2025

"Across Vienna, residents are finding ways to extend the life of everyday items rather than throwing them away. One of the most practical initiatives is the Repair Café.

"Hosted at 48er-Tandler Margareten, these events offer people a chance to fix broken appliances and mend clothing for free. More than just a money-saving opportunity, they’re part of a growing effort to reduce waste and promote a culture of repair over replacement.

How to participate

"Advance registration is required for electrical repairs, and spots tend to fill up quickly. However, textile repairs do not require registration; participants can simply show up with their items.

"Registration details and availability can be found on the 48er-Tandler website.

When and where are Repair Cafés held?

"The Repair Cafés take place at 48er-Tandler Margareten, located at Siebenbrunnenfeldgasse 3, 1050 Vienna. In 2025, six events are scheduled, with upcoming dates including:

- Wednesday, 24 April 2025
- Wednesday, 26 June 2025
- Additional dates in August, November, and December

All events run from 14:00 to 18:00."

Source:
thelocal.at/20250217/what-are-

Register, FMI:
48ertandler.wien.gv.at/repairc

The Local Austria · What are Vienna's Repair Cafés and how can you find them?By Amanda Previdelli

Free fixes are back! The #ToolLibrary expands its #DareToRepair Café program in 2025

By Darren Cotton, February 3, 2025

"Have broken stuff? Instead of throwing it out, consider attending one of The Tool Library’s free Dare to #RepairCafés this February or March.

"These events cut waste and build community: At each Dare to Repair, people can bring in broken objects like lamps, vacuums, bicycles, toys, clothing, sewing machines, PCs, laptops, and small electronics to be repaired — free of charge — by volunteer fixers. By following along during repairs, attendees can learn the skills they need to fix things on their own.

"The Tool Library, in partnership with #BuffaloRecycles, will host two Dare to Repair Cafés per month in 2025 — adding weeknight events to existing weekend programming — thanks to new funding from the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute and State Sen. Sean Ryan.

March 2025 dates:

- Saturday, March 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lancaster Municipal Building, 5423 Broadway, Lancaster, 14086

- Thursday, March 13, from 5-7 p.m. at the Delavan-Grider Community Center, 877 E. Delavan Ave., Buffalo, 14215

"Anyone interested in bringing appliances or household items to be repaired is strongly encouraged to fill out the registration form in advance."

FMI:
buffalorising.com/2025/02/free
#RightToRepair #SolarPunkSunday #FixIt #RepairCafesNY #RepairCafe #SolarPunk

Buffalo Rising · Free fixes are back! The Tool Library expands its Dare to Repair Café program in 2025 - Buffalo RisingTaking place at locations across Western New York, these free events invite people to bring in broken household items to get fixed. Have broken stuff? Instead of throwing it out,

#NewJersey: ‘Beloved but broken items’ fixed for free at repair event

Feb. 12, 2025

"On Saturday, March 22, #SummitNJ residents can bring their beloved but broken items to Barnwell Hall in Christ Church for free repairs. The #RepairCafe event, hosted by #RepairCafeGardenState in partnership with the Summit Area Green Faith Circle, will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the last repairs accepted at 2:30 p.m.

"Volunteer repair experts will be on hand to fix electronics, lamps, woodworking, bicycles, sewing/textiles, and provide knife sharpening services. Each person can bring a maximum of two items for repair. Replacement lamp parts will be available for a small fee."

nj.com/union/2025/02/beloved-b
#RightToRepair #SolarPunkSunday #FixIt #RepairCafesNJ #RepairCafes #SolarPunk

nj · ‘Beloved but broken items’ fixed for free at repair eventBy N.J. Community News
Continued thread

I've cracked open my broken machine (it's a waffle maker) and I've ascertained that one of the three heating elements is not receiving power. Probably a faulty relay. Or not. I don't really have much experience at this. I'm surprised that the guts are so complicated.

There's something on the control board that I haven't seen before. The four chunky traces here all carry AC mains current. The big long one is the common AC supply, domed over with a massive slug of solder for lower resistance. The smaller ones in the middle carry AC to the smaller heating elements. The odd one out, circled in red, is for the third, larger heating element. A good candidate for more solder enhancement. But no! That trace is covered with little dashes of solder that do not join, and seem to achieve nothing.

What the heck is that about? Is that a manufacturing error, or is it supposed to be like that?

Saw this on the news last night... More of this, please!

#SouthPortlandMaine hosts '#RepairFair' to help extend life for broken items
Community members were able to bring one damaged item to be repaired for free.

by Leeann Stapleton, January 25, 2025

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — "Dozens of people flocked to the #SouthPortlandLibrary on a chilly Saturday morning with broken or damaged items in hand to be fixed by some knowledgeable volunteers.

"The city held its first-ever 'Repair Fair' at the South Portland Library.

"With a limit of one damaged item per person, people brought anything from clothes to jewelry to electronics to woodwork and more, all to be fixed free of charge.

"Susan Parmelee is the sustainability program manager for the city of South Portland.

"She said one reason for the event is to avoid items getting thrown away when they could be fixed.

"'The city has a #ClimateActionPlan called #OneClimateFuture, and a whole section of that is waste reduction. A portion of reducing waste is preventing materials from going to the landfill,' Parmelee said. 'So, if we can fix the broken items, then they're not going to the landfill.'

"The lamp table had the longest line—at least for the first hour or so of the event.

"Parmelee said the city would consider hosting more of these repair events in the future, depending on how successful their first one was.

"The one-day event was held 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and coffee and doughnuts were provided for attendees."

newscentermaine.com/article/ne
#SolarPunkSunday #RepairCafes #RepairCafesMaine #RightToRepair #DIY #RepairCafé #FixIt

www.newscentermaine.comBefore you continue to YouTube

#BelfastMaine Community Works

"Our Mission: To be a shared space for makers, builders, and dreamers of all ages that enriches our community and encourages innovation, creativity, and connections throughout Belfast and beyond.

"Belfast Community Works is an enthusiastic group of volunteers dedicated to sharing and learning repair skills with the greater Belfast community. We aim to give new life to well-worn items as we strive to divert waste from the landfill and build community self-reliance. We do our best to repair broken electronics, housewares, appliances, clothing, and more!

Belfast Community Works'
#RepairCafe

Build community - Save money - Keep stuff out of the landfill.

Free event! All are welcome!

belfastcommunityworks.org/belf
#RightToRepair #RepairCafesMaine #Maine #DIY #RepairCafé #FixIt #SolarPunkSunday #RepairCafes #PlannedObsolescence

From the #MaineDEP: Reduce Waste with #RepairClinics

A Community Guide to Organizing a Repair Clinic

What is a repair clinic?

A repair clinic (also known as a #RepairCafe or #FixIt Clinic) is an event where community members get together to share knowledge and fix things. They’ve been described as an activity that is 'both for and by neighbors.'

What do you repair?

Depending on local expertise, items may include clothing, electronics, appliances, bicycles, furniture, and much more.
Waste reduction starts with repair

Repair gives old belongings new life.

Repair clinics help your community reduce waste by making broken things usable again and keeping them out of the trash.

How to get started

• Locate and invite subject matter experts in the community
• Recruit volunteers to help plan, organize, and get the word out about the upcoming repair clinic
• Locate and gather appropriate tools and parts
• See if hardware and bicycle shops or other local businesses can offer spare parts for sale or an expert volunteer from their staff

Find the right venue

• Libraries, community centers, town halls, faith centers, or schools are generally affordable, accessible, and familiar
• The facility should have electricity with ample outlets to plug into, adequate space, tables, plenty of parking, running water, and bathrooms—a kitchen is a bonus if available
• Donations can help cover repair clinic costs

Recruit skilled help

Scout out local electricians, carpenters, plumbers, metalworkers, furniture makers, tailors, and technical school students when recruiting volunteers. Experts can generate good publicity for their business or institution just by donating a few hours of time to share their skills.

Get the word out

Volunteers can help spread the word about the upcoming repair clinic. Hang fliers in the library, restaurants, coffee shops, town hall, and other favorite gathering spots, post notices on local social media groups, and tell friends and neighbors. Have contact information on all notices so people can reach out with questions or to volunteer.

Set some guidelines

• Visitors should do as much of their own repair as possible—they will learn a new skill and may even be able to pass it on to someone else in the future.
• A repair clinic is not a professional repair business and volunteers and community organizers:
- Have the right to refuse to repair something
- Will not be held responsible for an unsuccessful repair
- Will not be held liable in the event of an accident or injury
• Visitors are responsible for their own stuff and must remove everything they brought with them.

Legal and safety measures

Prepare a release form and ensure you have plenty of copies at the repair clinic for visitors to sign. Release forms
contain house rules so visitors understand that not everything can be fixed, and organizers and repairers are
not liable for damage or injury. Collect and store a form signed by each attendee. Some venues have public liability insurance to provide additional coverage for your event.

Having a certified first-aid volunteer at the repair clinic adds another important safety measure.

View release form examples at the links below:
repaircafe.org/en/house-rules
ppld.org/sites/default/files/p (link opens a PDF)
cvswmd.org/uploads/6/1/2/6/612 (link opens a PDF)

Running the event—the basics
• Accept donations to help pay for event costs
• Coffee, tea, and snacks will be welcome—charge a reasonable fee to cover refreshment costs
• Set up repair stations for different categories of stuff, each staffed with a repair expert
• Have visitors check in
• Ensure each visitor signs a release form and understands the terms
• Direct each visitor to the appropriate repair station

Additional resources for a successful repair clinic

• The Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District Repair toolkit includes a detailed planning
guide, a release form template, sample outreach materials and much more.
- View toolkit: cvswmd.org/repair-cafe-tool-ki
• Learn more about hosting repair events from the organization that started the trend, located in the Netherlands. They offer a repair café starter kit for a fee (name your own price).
- Visit Repair Cafe website: repaircafe.org/en/about/

Source:
maine.gov/dep/waste/recycle/do
#RightToRepair #RepairCafesMaine #Maine #DIY #RepairCafé #FixIt #SolarPunkSunday #RepairCafes #PlannedObsolescence