How to get broken items fixed for free
VISIT A REPAIR CAFE
IN THE modern throwaway culture many people discard old and buy new – when a simple repair is all that is required.
A repair cafe is a place where people get household goods fixed for free. They are usually held at community centres and village halls, with expert volunteers on hand with the necessary tools to repair broken parts. Items that can be repaired include kettles, computer equipment, bikes and furniture.
Alana Sinclair is a repair cafe coordinator and manager of charity Cambridge Carbon Footprint. She says: ‘What we do is not just about sustainable living. We encourage those with skills and tools to show others how they can fix things for free. Helping communities work together is good for everyone.’
The charity has 200 volunteers with repair cafe events held in the county throughout the year – including at least two in the centre of the city.
The concept was devised in Amsterdam nine years ago. There are now 1,400 registered repair cafes worldwide – with 22 in the UK. Visit repaircafe.org/en for details.
Another practical solution for unwanted junk is ‘upcycling’ where items are turned into something new and appealing – rather than binned.
Inspiration and a willingness to roll up your sleeves and try something new are the main requirements. Ideas and guidance are available at websites such as handcraft trader Etsy, style sharing forum The Good Wardrobe and upcycling monthly magazine Reloved (£4.99 a copy).