We all know the feeling of frustration when our dishwasher, laptop or coffee machine breaks down, even if we haven’t owned it for very long. Fixing these types of devices instead of buying new ones can actually have a big impact on your personal carbon footprint.
Although the European Union’s proposal for a “right to repair” still requires approval from the European Parliament and Council, a few people have taken the first step themselves by organising so-called “Repair Cafés”. I visited Café De Bieb in Utrecht, which is part of the successful Repair Café International Foundation.
Fun fact: The very first Repair Café took place in Amsterdam in October 2009. There are now more than 2,500 Repair Cafés worldwide and ten in Utrecht. And did you know that Repair Day is declared on 21 October?
The Repair Café De Bieb is open every first Saturday of the month from 13:00 to 16:00 in the Bibliotheek Neude.
