The right to repair is gaining ground

Repairability and the « right to repair » are gradually becoming a major issue. Objects designed to last and be repaired, available spare parts, repairability indices, repairers, and tutorials: repairing rather than throwing away is becoming possible and valued again. Understanding this issue and adopting the « repair » reflex is a gesture for your wallet AND for the planet. Let’s see why repairability matters, where things stand, and how to adopt the reflex.

Why repairability has become an issue

Let’s understand why repairing our objects is a real societal issue today. The reign of DISPOSABLE: for a long time, the trend was towards less and less durable and repairable objects; we replace rather than repair; a disposable culture; to be questioned. Hard-to-REPAIR objects: many objects have become difficult to repair (closed design, unavailable parts, non-removable batteries); repairing becomes complicated; sometimes an organized obstacle; problematic. « It costs more to repair »: often, repairing costs almost as much (or more) than buying new; this calculation pushes us to throw away; a logic that fuels waste; to be reversed. PERCEIVED OBSOLESCENCE: the feeling that objects are designed not to last (breakdown just after the warranty); real or perceived, it fuels mistrust; a frustration; a sensitive issue. WASTE of resources: throwing away and buying new wastes resources (making new costs the planet); the disposable has a heavy ecological cost; a major issue; to be reduced. WASTE generated: discarded objects become waste (often electronic, hard to process); a mountain of waste; repairing reduces waste; a benefit. The COST for the consumer: constantly buying new costs the consumer dearly; repairing and making things last saves money; a purchasing power issue; concrete. FRUSTRATION: consumers are fed up with throwing away, not being able to repair; a demand for durability is growing; social pressure; change comes from there. Things are MOVING: faced with all this, repairability is becoming an issue; regulations, indices, right to repair are emerging; things are evolving positively (we’ll come back to this); encouraging. A TRIPLE-benefit issue: repairing is good for the wallet (savings), the planet (less waste/waste), and common sense; a win-win issue; to embrace. The main idea: for a long time, the trend was towards less and less durable and REPAIRABLE objects—even designed to be replaced rather than repaired (closed design, unavailable parts, non-removable batteries). This is compounded by a logic that fuels waste: repairing often costs almost as much (or more) than buying new, which pushes us to throw away, and a PERCEIVED OBSOLESCENCE (the breakdown just after the warranty) that fuels mistrust. Yet this reign of disposability has a heavy cost: WASTE of resources (making new weighs on the planet), a mountain of WASTE (often electronic, hard to process), and a high bill for the CONSUMER (constantly buying new costs dearly). Faced with this, FRUSTRATION is growing, and things are MOVING: repairability and the « right to repair » are gradually becoming established (regulations, indices, availability of parts). It’s a TRIPLE-benefit issue: repairing is good for the wallet (savings), for the planet (less waste and waste), and simply good sense.

The right to repair: where do we stand?

Let’s look at the concrete developments that make repair possible and valued again. The « RIGHT to repair »: a movement and regulations are emerging to guarantee a « right to repair » (ability to repair one’s objects); a political and societal issue; it’s progressing; positive. REPAIRABILITY indices: repairability indices (ratings indicating whether a product is easy to repair) are appearing on some products; a reference for choosing; helps the consumer; useful when buying. Availability of PARTS: rules require (for some products) keeping spare parts available longer; repairing becomes possible more durably; a concrete progress; important. Objects designed to LAST: under pressure, some manufacturers are designing more repairable objects (replaceable battery, disassemblable); an encouraging trend; durability is coming back; to support. REPAIRERS: professional repairers, repair services, are developing/being valued; having things repaired is becoming an option again; an ecosystem is being reborn; useful. TUTORIALS and self-repair: tutorials, guides, communities help repair oneself; self-repair is becoming democratized; consult our repair guides; accessible. REPAIR CAFÉS: places (« repair cafés ») where people repair together, with help; repairing becomes friendly and accessible; a great initiative; to discover. USED PARTS: used or refurbished spare parts; repairing at a lower cost; a resource for economical repair; clever. Sometimes SUBSIDIES: in some countries, subsidies/bonuses encourage repair (reducing the cost); repairing becomes more advantageous; check out the schemes; a helping hand. A FUNDAMENTAL TREND: regulations, indices, parts, repairers, tutorials; repairability is progressing on several fronts; an encouraging fundamental trend; the tide is turning. In summary, faced with the reign of disposability, things are moving on several fronts: a « RIGHT TO REPAIR » is being asserted, supported by a movement and regulations aimed at guaranteeing that we can repair our objects. Concretely: REPAIRABILITY indices (ratings indicating whether a product is easy to repair) are appearing to guide purchases; rules require keeping SPARE PARTS available longer; and under pressure, some manufacturers are designing more DURABLE and repairable objects (replaceable battery, disassemblable). In parallel, an entire ecosystem is being reborn or valued: professional REPAIRERS, TUTORIALS and self-repair communities (self-repair is becoming democratized), REPAIR CAFÉS (friendly places where people repair together, with help), USED or refurbished parts (repairing at a lower cost), and sometimes SUBSIDIES or bonuses that financially encourage repair. In short, regulations, indices, availability of parts, repairers, and tutorials: repairability is progressing as a real fundamental trend—the tide is turning, and repairing is becoming possible and valued again.

• RIGHT to repair: laws and movements to guarantee the ability to fix objects
• REPAIRABILITY indices: ratings that show how easy a product is to fix
• SPARE PARTS availability: rules requiring manufacturers to keep parts available
• DURABLE design: products made to last longer and be easier to repair
• REPAIRERS: professionals who fix objects, making repair more accessible
• TUTORIALS: online guides that help people fix things themselves
• REPAIR CAFÉS: community spaces where people fix items together
• USED PARTS: cheaper, refurbished components for repairs
• SUBSIDIES: financial incentives to encourage repairs

The reflex to adopt: before throwing away and buying new, ask yourself if you can repair it. The most effective change at your level is a simple REFLEX: before throwing away a broken object and buying a new one, ASK YOURSELF « can I have it repaired, or repair it myself? ». This reflex, long lost in the disposable era, changes everything—for your wallet and the planet. Here’s how to adopt it concretely. Step 1: DIAGNOSE the breakdown. Before concluding « it’s beyond repair, » try to understand what’s wrong. Sometimes, the problem is minor (a part to change, cleaning, adjustment) and the repair is simple. Look up the symptom online: often, others have had the same issue and share the solution. Step 2: assess the REPAIR options. Several paths exist depending on the object and your skills: repair YOURSELF (for simple breakdowns, with the help of tutorials and online guides—many websites and videos explain step by step); call a professional REPAIRER; take advantage of a REPAIR CAFÉ (where volunteers help you repair, for free or almost, while learning); or contact the manufacturer/seller (especially if the object is still under warranty: always think of this first!). Step 3: find the PART if needed. Look for the necessary spare part—new, but also USED or refurbished (often much cheaper). The availability of parts is improving, and many online stores specialize in this. Step 4: do the CALCULATION honestly. Compare the cost of repair (part + possible labor) to the price of a replacement—but taking into account that repairing AVOIDS wasting an object and making new (ecological benefit), and that new also has a cost. Often, repairing is more economical than we think, especially if you do it yourself. And check for any possible REPAIR SUBSIDIES (bonuses) that reduce the bill. Step 5: if really irreparable, RECYCLE (not throw in the trash: recycling center, collection points), and for the purchase, think REFURBISHED. Upstream, a complementary reflex: when BUYING, favor REPAIRABLE and durable objects (look at the repairability index when it exists, prefer replaceable batteries, brands that guarantee parts)—this is how we encourage repairability and avoid future dead ends. In summary, adopt THE reflex: before throwing away and buying new, ask yourself if you can repair. DIAGNOSE the breakdown (often minor), assess the OPTIONS (self-repair with tutorials, a repairer, a repair café, or the manufacturer/warranty), find the PART (new, used, or refurbished), do the CALCULATION honestly (repairing is often more economical and ecological than we think; think about subsidies), and if it’s really irreparable, RECYCLE and buy refurbished. And when buying, favor REPAIRABLE and durable objects from the start. This « repair first » reflex is good for your wallet AND for the planet: it’s the concrete gesture that, multiplied, really changes things.

Adopting the « repair » reflex in everyday life

Here’s how to durably integrate repairability into your consumption habits. REPAIR before throwing away: the basic reflex; before throwing away, ask yourself if you can repair; reverse the disposable logic; repair first; the key gesture. CHECK the warranty: for a broken object, first check if it’s under warranty (possible free repair/replacement); the first reflex; don’t pay for what’s covered; think about it. Use TUTORIALS: for simple breakdowns, online tutorials allow you to repair yourself; self-repair saves money; consult our repair guides; dare to try. Know the REPAIR CAFÉS: locate repair cafés near you (volunteer help to repair); friendly, economical, educational; a great resource; frequent them. Call a REPAIRER: for what you can’t do yourself, a professional repairer; having things repaired is often cheaper than buying new; support repairers; resort to them. Look for SMART PARTS: new spare parts, but also used/refurbished (cheaper); repair at a low cost; find the right part; save. Buy REPAIRABLE: when buying, favor repairability and durability (repairability index, replaceable battery, available parts); choose repairable in advance; anticipate; buy durable. Look at the INDEX: when a repairability index exists, look at it to compare; a useful reference; favor the best-rated; choose wisely. Find out about SUBSIDIES: check for possible repair subsidies/bonuses (depending on the country); they reduce the cost; take advantage of the schemes; save. RECYCLE if irreparable: if really irreparable, recycle (recycling center, collection), don’t throw in the trash, and buy refurbished; close the loop properly; never the trash; recycle. The ADVICE: adopt the « repair before throwing away » reflex; check the warranty, use tutorials and repair cafés, call repairers, look for smart parts, buy repairable (index), take advantage of subsidies, and recycle if really irreparable—good for the wallet and the planet. In summary, to durably adopt the « repair » reflex: the basic gesture is to REPAIR before throwing away (reverse the disposable logic). Faced with a breakdown, FIRST CHECK the warranty (repair or replacement may be free); then explore repair options: online TUTORIALS for self-repairing simple breakdowns (economical), REPAIR CAFÉS near you (volunteer help, friendly and educational), and professional REPAIRERS for the rest (often cheaper than buying new). For parts, look smart (new, but also USED and refurbished, cheaper). Upstream, when BUYING, favor REPAIRABLE and durable objects (look at the REPAIRABILITY INDEX when it exists, prefer replaceable batteries and available parts), and FIND OUT about possible repair subsidies. Finally, if an object is really irreparable, RECYCLE it properly (recycling center, collection points: never the trash) and buy refurbished instead. This reflex, once established, becomes natural: repairing and making things last is both economical (for your wallet) and ecological (less waste and waste)—a winning gesture on all fronts.

Warning: beware of the false calculation « might as well buy new, » never throw an object in regular trash, and keep safety in mind for repairs. Three points of vigilance for proper repair. First point: beware of the FALSE calculation « might as well buy new. » This is the reasoning that fuels waste: « repairing costs almost as much as buying new, might as well buy new. » This calculation is often misleading, for several reasons. First, it FORGETS the ecological cost: buying new implies making a new object (resources, energy) and throwing away the old (waste)—a cost for the planet that the purchase price doesn’t reflect. Then, it often OVERESTIMATES the cost of repair: many breakdowns are repairable at a lower cost, especially if you repair yourself (with a tutorial) or via a repair café, and used parts reduce the bill; you don’t always need an expensive repairer. Finally, it UNDERESTIMATES the value of making things last: a repaired object continues to be useful, while a « cheap » new object may break down just as quickly. Before concluding « might as well buy new, » do the REAL calculation (self-repair or used part? available subsidies?) and include the ecological benefit: often, repairing wins. Second point: NEVER throw an object (especially electrical/electronic) in REGULAR TRASH. An end-of-life object is not ordinary waste: electrical and electronic devices contain materials to be recovered (recycling) and sometimes polluting substances (not to be dispersed in nature). Throwing in regular trash is polluting and wasting materials. The good practice: deposit end-of-life objects in the RECYCLING circuits provided (recycling center, collection points, in-store take-back—many sellers take back the old device when buying new). And even before recycling, think of the SECOND LIFE: an object you no longer want but that works (or is repairable) can be DONATED, resold, or given to reuse structures—extending its use is even better than recycling. Third point: keep SAFETY in mind for self-repairs. Self-repair is a great thing, but with caution: for everything related to ELECTRICITY (devices plugged in, electrical installations), GAS, or dangerous elements, don’t improvise as an expert—a wrong move can be dangerous (electrocution, fire, injury). Always unplug a device before intervening, follow serious tutorials, and for everything that exceeds your skills or presents a risk, call a PROFESSIONAL (or a supervised repair café). Similarly, a BATTERY (especially those in modern devices) must be handled with care (do not pierce, force, or handle a swollen battery): in case of doubt, entrust it to a professional. Repair, yes; put yourself in danger, no. In summary, three vigilances: beware of the FALSE calculation « might as well buy new » (it forgets the ecological cost, often overestimates the repair cost, and underestimates the value of making things last: do the real calculation, repairing often wins), NEVER throw an object in regular trash (recycle it at a recycling center or collection point; and before, think of donation or reuse: second life is better), and keep SAFETY in mind for self-repair (absolute caution with electricity, gas, batteries; call a pro as soon as it exceeds your skills). Well done, repair is a safe, economical, and ecological gesture: these precautions allow you to fully benefit from it, without bad surprises or danger.

Frequent questions

Repairing often costs as much as buying new: is that true?

It’s sometimes true, but often a false calculation: self-repair or with used parts costs much less, and buying new has a hidden ecological cost; before concluding « might as well buy new, » do the real calculation, repairing often wins more than we think. Let’s see. SOMETIMES true: it’s true that, in some cases (expensive professional repair, cheap object), repairing costs almost as much as buying new; it’s not always false; let’s acknowledge it; nuance. But often a FALSE calculation: in many cases, it’s a false calculation that leads to waste; repairing costs less than we think; don’t conclude too quickly; recalculate. Self-REPAIR: if you repair yourself (tutorial, part), the cost drops (just the part, no labor); self-repair changes the calculation; often very economical; try it. Used PARTS: with used/refurbished parts, repairing costs even less; an economical resource; look for the smart part; reduce the cost. The REPAIR CAFÉ: in a repair café, you repair with help, for free or almost; the cost becomes minimal; a very economical option; take advantage of it. The HIDDEN cost of new: buying new has a hidden ecological cost (manufacturing, waste of the old); the purchase price doesn’t say everything; include this cost; think planet. REPAIR SUBSIDIES: subsidies/bonuses (depending on the country) reduce the repair cost; check them out; the calculation then leans towards repairing; take advantage of the schemes. The real CALCULATION: do the real calculation (self-repair/used part/subsidies vs new + its ecological cost); often, repairing wins; don’t rely on the « might as well buy new » reflex; recalculate honestly. The value of MAKING THINGS LAST: a repaired object continues to be useful; a « cheap » new object may break down just as quickly; making things last has value; favor durability. The ADVICE: it’s sometimes true but often a false calculation; self-repair, with used parts, in a repair café, or with subsidies costs much less, and new has a hidden ecological cost; do the real calculation before concluding « might as well buy new »; repairing often wins. In summary, « repairing costs as much as buying new »: it’s SOMETIMES true (a professional repair on a cheap object may indeed approach the price of new), but it’s OFTEN a false calculation, precisely the one that fuels waste. Several elements show this. First, the cost of repair is often OVERESTIMATED: if you repair YOURSELF (with the help of a tutorial), you only pay for the part, not the labor—and with USED or refurbished parts, the bill drops even more; a REPAIR CAFÉ even allows you to repair with almost free help; and REPAIR SUBSIDIES or bonuses exist in some countries. Then, the price of new HIDES a cost: buying new implies making a new object (resources, energy) and throwing away the old (waste), a real ecological cost that the receipt doesn’t reflect. Finally, we must value MAKING THINGS LAST: a repaired object continues to be useful, while a « cheap » new object may break down just as quickly. Before concluding « might as well buy new, » do the REAL calculation: compare the real cost of a repair (self-repair, used part, repair café, subsidies) to the price of new including its ecological cost. You will notice that, much more often than we think, repairing is both more economical AND more ecological. The « might as well buy new » reflex really deserves to be questioned: it’s it, more than the facts, that makes us throw away.

How to repair an object when you know nothing about it?

You have several accessible options even without skills: look for online tutorials (for simple breakdowns), go to a repair café (where you’re helped), or call a repairer; always start by checking the warranty and diagnosing the breakdown. Let’s see. CHECK the warranty first: first reflex; is the object under warranty? if yes, free repair/replacement; don’t look further; start there; simple. DIAGNOSE the breakdown: try to identify the problem (what symptom?); look up the symptom online (others have had the same issue); understanding helps; the starting point. Online TUTORIALS: for many simple breakdowns, tutorials/videos explain step by step; even without skills, you can follow; guided self-repair; consult our repair guides; try. REPAIR CAFÉS: in a repair café, volunteers HELP you repair (and teach you); perfect when you know nothing; friendly and educational; the ideal option to start. The professional REPAIRER: for what you can’t do, a professional repairer takes care of it; no need for skills, just to find the right one; have it repaired; a sure value. Ask for HELP: a handy relative, an online community, a forum; you often find help; don’t hesitate to ask; mutual aid helps. START simple: start with simple and risk-free repairs (clean, change an easy part); gain confidence progressively; you learn by doing; start small. SAFETY first: for electricity, gas, batteries; caution, or call a pro; don’t take risks; safety comes first; wisdom. PARTS: if a part is missing, look for it (new, used); part stores and tutorials often indicate what to order; find the part; possible. The ADVICE: even without skills, check the warranty, diagnose, then follow tutorials for simple breakdowns, go to a repair café (you’re helped), or call a repairer; start simple, ask for help, and keep safety in mind. In summary, you can perfectly have an object repaired—or repair it—even if you know nothing about it, thanks to several accessible options. Always start with two reflexes: CHECK the warranty (if the object is covered, repair or replacement may be free—no need to go further), and DIAGNOSE the breakdown (identify the symptom and look it up online: very often, others have had the same problem and share the cause and solution). Then, depending on the breakdown and your desire: for SIMPLE breakdowns, follow ONLINE TUTORIALS (many videos and guides explain the repair step by step, accessible even to beginners); to be ACCOMPANIED, go to a REPAIR CAFÉ, where volunteers help you repair your object while teaching you the gestures (it’s the ideal option when you know nothing, plus it’s friendly and almost free); and for what you can’t do, simply call a professional REPAIRER (no need for skills, just to find the right one). Don’t hesitate to ASK for help around you (a handy relative, an online community or forum). A few tips to get started: START with simple and risk-free repairs (clean, change an easy part) to gain confidence progressively—you learn a lot by doing. And always keep SAFETY in mind: for everything related to electricity, gas, or batteries, be very careful or entrust the repair to a professional. Not « knowing » is therefore not a fatality that condemns you to throw away: between tutorials, repair cafés, and repairers, repairing is within everyone’s reach.

How to choose more repairable and durable objects when buying?

Look at the repairability index when it exists, favor objects with available spare parts and replaceable batteries, and find out about the reputation for durability and the seriousness of the manufacturer (parts, repairability); choosing repairable in advance avoids many dead ends. Let’s see. Look at the REPAIRABILITY INDEX: when a repairability index exists on the product, look at it; it rates the ease of repair; compare and favor the best-rated; a precious reference; use it. Availability of PARTS: favor objects whose spare parts are available (and for a long time); without parts, no repair; a key criterion; check before buying. The REPLACEABLE BATTERY: for battery-powered devices, prefer those whose battery is replaceable; the battery often dies first; replaceable = device that lasts; an important criterion. The DISASSEMBLABLE design: an object that can be opened/disassembled is more repairable than a « closed » object (glued, welded); design matters; favor the disassemblable; repairable. The REPUTATION for durability: find out about the reputation for durability (reviews, feedback: does the object last? does it break down quickly?); durability can be verified; choose the sturdy; inform yourself. The SERIOUSNESS of the manufacturer: favor manufacturers serious about repairability (parts guaranteed, durability commitment); their policy matters; support the good students; choose well. Avoid the DISPOSABLE: beware of obviously disposable objects (very low-end, non-repairable); the « cheap » non-durable costs dearly in the long run; avoid the disposable; invest better. Think LONG term: reason over the long term (a durable/repairable object, a bit more expensive, lasts and avoids repurchasing); the true cost is over the long term; think long term; calculate correctly. Encourage REPAIRABILITY: by choosing repairable, you encourage this trend (manufacturers follow demand); your choice has an impact; vote with your wallet; act. The ADVICE: when buying, look at the repairability index, favor available parts, replaceable battery, and disassemblable design, check the reputation for durability and the seriousness of the manufacturer, avoid the disposable, and think long term; choosing repairable in advance avoids dead ends and encourages the trend. In summary, to choose more repairable and durable objects right from the purchase, several criteria guide you. First, look at the REPAIRABILITY INDEX when it exists on the product: this rating, which evaluates the ease of repair, allows you to compare and favor the best-rated—a precious reference. Then, check the availability of SPARE PARTS (without available parts, and for a long time, no repair possible: it’s a key criterion), and for battery-powered devices, favor those whose BATTERY is REPLACEABLE (the battery often dies first; being able to replace it greatly extends the life of the device). Prefer objects with a DISASSEMBLABLE design (that can be opened) rather than « closed » (glued, welded, impossible to repair). Find out about the REPUTATION for durability (reviews and feedback say whether an object lasts or breaks down quickly) and about the SERIOUSNESS of the manufacturer in terms of repairability (does it guarantee the parts? is it committed to durability?)—favor the good students. Beware of obviously DISPOSABLE objects (very low-end, non-repairable: the « cheap » non-durable often costs dearly in the long run, when you have to repurchase). Therefore, reason over the LONG TERM: a durable and repairable object, even a bit more expensive to purchase, lasts longer and saves you from repurchasing—the true cost is judged over the long term. Finally, keep in mind that by choosing repairable, you ENCOURAGE this trend: manufacturers follow consumer demand, so your choice, multiplied, pushes the market towards more durability. Choosing repairable in advance is how you avoid many future dead ends—and contribute, on your scale, to a less disposable world.

What to remember

For a long time, the trend was towards DISPOSABLE: less and less repairable objects (closed design, unavailable parts, non-removable batteries), a logic that pushes to throw away (« it costs as much to repair as to buy new »), and perceived obsolescence. This model has a heavy cost: waste of resources, mountains of waste, and a high bill for the consumer who constantly repurchases. But things are MOVING: faced with frustration, REPAIRABILITY and the « right to repair » are being asserted—regulations, REPAIRABILITY indices to guide purchases, obligation to keep PARTS available longer, objects designed to be more durable, and an entire ecosystem (repairers, SELF-REPAIR tutorials, REPAIR CAFÉS, used parts, repair subsidies). Repairing is becoming possible and valued again. The reflex to adopt is simple: before throwing away and repurchasing, ASK YOURSELF IF YOU CAN REPAIR. Concretely: first check the WARRANTY, DIAGNOSE the breakdown (often minor), then explore the options—self-repair with tutorials (for simple breakdowns), a repair café (where you’re helped, ideal when you know nothing), or a professional repairer; find the PART (new, but also used or refurbished, cheaper); and do the REAL calculation. Because « might as well buy new » is often a FALSE calculation: it forgets the ecological cost of new, overestimates the repair cost (much lower in self-repair or with used parts), and underestimates the value of making things last—repairing often wins more than we think. Three vigilances: beware of this false calculation, NEVER throw an object in regular trash (recycle it at a recycling center; and before, think of donation or reuse), and keep SAFETY in mind for self-repair (absolute caution with electricity, gas, batteries; call a pro as soon as it exceeds your skills). Upstream, when BUYING, favor repairable and durable objects from the start: look at the repairability index, prefer available parts, replaceable battery, and disassemblable design, check the reputation for durability, avoid the disposable, and think long term. By choosing repairable, you also encourage this fundamental trend. In short, repairing rather than throwing away is a gesture with TRIPLE benefit: for your WALLET (savings), for the PLANET (less waste and waste), and simply good sense. The tide is turning, repairing is becoming accessible and valued again: adopting the « repair first » reflex is participating, on your scale, in a less disposable world—while saving money.