The fix-it rebellion
Ever thought of fixing your items as a form of silent protest? It turns out in an age where it is easier, less time consuming, and perhaps cheaper, to buy a new item instead of repairing the old, the fix is quite the counter culture. Let's face it, we are in an age of fast fashion, planned obsolesce, and mountains of trash. It is time to let the fixes to our items shine!
Why Fix It Instead of Replace?
Obviously the fixing items reduces waste. The other side of that coin is that making something new requires, materials, water, and energy, and none of these account for the energetic costs to the planet for shipping said items. In fact, the EPA reports that repairing items can save up to 90% of the energy used to manufacture new products.
The cost of ownership
For those of you at this point saying "I don't have time to fix my things" then I would argue you are living life at a speed that is outpacing your ability to enjoy your belongings. This is where I believe the true rebellion lies. If we all slow down, I mean wayyyy down, and take the time to repair the items that we own, I think most Americans will find that we own too much stuff.
In the absolutely life changing book Your Money or Your Life, there is a section on the hidden costs of owning an item. Yes there is the purchase price, but there is also the time it takes to use it and clean it. The money and space it takes to store it, the mental energy it takes to think about it is used enough or if it is good enough or stands up to what our friends have. And then there is the energy to repair it. Well there used to be. With the cost of material goods at an all time low to produce, this is where our trash trouble is taking hold.
The Repair Rebellion
To all this I say, let's make it fashionable to fix our shit and show the world our artistic flare in the process. Yeah, yeah Kintsugi you say. I got it, but I'm not just talking about fixing broken pottery with gold, although it does embody the point I'm making quite beautifully. I'm talking about some version of that on everything we own as a statement.
My great-grandmother and my grandma both taught me that when you make something, you make the back look as amazing as the front. They were seamstresses and I took this knowledge with me as I because a trained jeweler. But I see now the flaw in making our fixes look seamless. Yes there is a time for it, but generally around our house and on our clothes, I think it would be the most beautiful rebellion to buying new, cheaply made, mostly plastic and composite items if we showed our artist flare on our most high quality items, showing the world our uniqueness as individuals and unburdening ourselves from deeply seeded consumer culture.
Common Repairs
From leaky faucets to torn clothing, there are many common household items that can easily be fixed with the right tools and knowledge. And the best part is that online platforms like You Tube make it so easy to find the experts willing to teach us. There are plenty of do-it-yourself repair techniques that you can use to fix your items at home. Whether it's sewing a button back on a shirt or patching up a small hole in the wall, DIY repairs can be simple and cost-effective.
Professional Repair Services
Sometimes, a repair may be too complex or dangerous to attempt on your own. In these cases, it's best to seek out professional repair services to ensure the job is done correctly and safely. Also, sometimes you may not have the equipment. Shoes are an example of where I rely on a cobbler. I try to buy high quality leather shoes so that when they need help, there is a craftsperson who can help.
Let It Show
Don't be ashamed of your repaired items! Embrace the unique character and history that comes with fixing and repairing your belongings. Let it show as a badge of honor that you value sustainability and resourcefulness.
By learning how to fix and repair your items, you can save money, reduce waste, and extend the lifespan of your belongings. So next time something breaks, don't rush to replace it. Take the time to fix it and let it show!
