Reviving the Lost Art of Repair

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 01/26/2018 08:30 AM EST
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Reviving the Lost Art of Repair!

The ability to fix or repair items is becoming a lost art. These days there's an abundance of inexpensive items we can get easily at convenience stores, malls and online. It's easier to buy new than repair the old. But learning to repair has many benefits to you, the environment and your surrounding community.

A repair movement has begun, which started in Amsterdam in 2009. As it moves across the world, and specifically New York State, communities are coming together to share, repair and learn with one another.

What is a Repair Café?Repair Cafe

Repair cafes are meeting places where community members can work side by side with a skilled "repair mentor" to fix broken items, for free. The mentors have all the tools, materials and knowledge to help you repair home electrical appliances, furniture, clothing, jewelry, computers, toys, and more!

Watch the NBC News feature on a repair café in New Paltz, NY.

Why attend a Repair Cafe?

You can bring your broken items from home, and work with a volunteer specialist to have them repaired -- and learn how to do it yourself if they break again! Even if you don't have anything that needs repair, you can stop in to assist in repairs, or watch and learn.

Why is it called a "cafe"? It isn't just a place to get something fixed. It's a social meeting space to have a cup of coffee or tea, enjoy a little snack and connect with people in your community who are interested in repair and sustainability.

Fixing ChairStuffed Animal

Neighbor helping neighbor. Repair cafes are run by volunteers; however, donations are appreciated to keep repair cafes going. Photos courtesy of the Repair Café: New Paltz

Get Involved

  • Find a repair café near you
  • Check out available resources from the Repair Café Foundation and connect with other Repair Cafes around the world.
  • Start a repair café! Ask to hang flyers at local libraries and community centers about your need for "repair mentors" or reach out to your local hardware store to find interested volunteers. Once you assemble a group, search for a public meeting space that can host your event.
  • Help students start a repair club at school.
  • Start a tool library. Check out the University Heights Tool Library.

Upcoming Events

We Want To Hear From You!

Is there a topic you'd like to learn more about? Or a public event/workshop related to recycling (organics, textiles, electronics, traditional recyclables, etc.) you'd like the greater community to know about? Email us at organicrecycling@dec.ny.gov.