We highlight some key moments in the long month of January and help break down the big questions and opportunities in the push for longer-lasting and more repairable products in the UK this year.
Our news
We’re a small team, but we have a lot to say. Here we share our latest organisational news and our reactions to news in the wider world.
Important
New London laptop campaign and crowdfunder
Our new campaign in London mobilises donations of laptops, cash and volunteer skills, so that unused laptops can be used by students and people in need.
Manufacturers and why we can’t rely on their commitments — a DIY repair story
In its public commitments, Tefal sounds great on repair. But in practice, a qualified electrician had to pressure the French manufacturers to gain access to spare parts. We need Right to Repair enshrined in law, not one merely published on a website by manufacturers.
Parliamentary committee heard us, and calls for Right to Repair
The House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee released its new report on electronic waste. In it we can hear the voices of the repair community. The Committee calls for the right to repair and a smarter approach to materials and electronics waste.
Fixing laptops for reuse in the community, with Catbytes in Lewisham
We partnered with Catbytes in London to support their laptop donation scheme and help them repair their devices. Our volunteers were happy to help increase the number of laptops available for reuse by people in need.
Repair is essential! Here is how we celebrated International Repair Day
“Repair is Essential” – this is the theme we chose for this year’s International Repair Day. In London, an online team of volunteers mapped 45+ repair businesses in London to be considered for inclusion. Small groups met repair businesses in Crystal Palace, Shepherd’s Bush and Tooting.
Celebrating International Repair Day and London Repair Week
Normally on International Repair Day we run a large Restart Party, to celebrate the day together with as many of our volunteers as possible. This year, on 17 October we invite Londoners to help us celebrate the independent repair shops who help us all stay connected, especially during lockdown.
Help us expand the Repair Directory across London
The Repair Directory lists reliable repair businesses in London. We are asking the public to submit their favourite London repair shops!