A found in the street chair leg recycled as the cross piece and one of the uprights from a mirror stand found discarded in the boatyard as the post forming a temporary prop to relieve the strain on a rotted through section of deck beam.
#Repair
#ReuseRepairRecycle
#SolarPunkSunday
So, I bought a messenger bag a few years ago that was made out of pleather. The outer layer just crumbled off, and the zippers soon followed. I went digging in my box of bags and found some old leather ones that needed a little TLC. This purse needed the handle re-glued (using some extreme Scotch weld glue that seems to hold everything), then gave all the leather a coating of LLBean boot guard (a mixture of beeswax, lanolin and natural oils), and voila! A like-new, functioning bag (that's at least 30 years old).
#RestartParties & other community #repair events
"Communities around the world run repair events where you can get help to fix your broken belongings – from tablets to toasters, from laptops to crop tops. Find an event near you below!
"We call our London events Restart Parties because they have a fun, ad-hoc spirit where all are welcome to meet, mingle, and share in the fun of repair. Other groups in the network use different names but we all host similar kinds of events.
"More than 600 groups in over 20 countries have joined in, listing events here. We also work with #RepairTogether who list events in Belgium and #RepairCafé Hauts-de-France. If there isn’t an upcoming event listed near you, get in touch with a group nearby.
Don’t see a group near you? Consider starting one."
#LondonUK - #ForestFixers Drop in and #FixIt session at #ForestRecyclingProject E17 9AW
Monday, 21 July 2025
09:00 - 16:00
2C Bakers Ave, London E17 9AW, UK
"Do you have an electrical appliance (or similar) at home that needs fixing but you don’t have the tools? Or do you just like fixing stuff in the company of like-minded people?
"Come and join us at our regular sessions on Sundays and Mondays during the daytime. Let us know if you don’t have anything to fix and we will ensure that we bring something for you.
Let us know you are coming by clicking on RSVP [at the link below].
Please note that this session is for people who want to fix. If you want something fixed, please come to a repair cafe."
Contact: ForestFixers@gmail.com
Public transport:
Suffragette Line: 12 minute walk from Leyton Midland Road (or get the 69 or 97 bus to Bakers Avenue)
Victoria Line or Weaver Line to Walthamstow Central then 12 minute walk or buses W15, W19, 257, 69, 97, 20, 357, 230
Buses 55 or 56 go to the Bakers Arms and from there it is a 2 minute walk.
Cycle - There is plenty of cycle parking right outside venue."
#Camden #FixingFactory
#LondonUK
Thursday, 24 July 2025
11:00 - 14:00
179 Queens Cres, London NW5 4DS, UK
Get involved
"We are always looking for new and experienced fixers!
"Our Public sessions run every Thursday from 11:00 until 14:00. (fixers please arrive 10:45 for a safety induction if you’ve never been here)
"We have limited number of repair slots so please arrive at 11.00 to book a slot during the session. Alternatively pre-book a slot on Eventbrite. We have coffee and tea to keep you watered as you wait or are free to explore the local market and cafes that is opened at the same time.
"We offer free training for regular long-term volunteers in Camden Fixing Factory.
"To volunteer on other days get in touch with us via hello@fixingfactory.org or sign-up via our website and we will get you started!
"Or just show up on any Thursday at 10:45 and we’ll get you ready."
https://therestartproject.org/parties/camden-fixing-factory-68/
#BicycleCoalitionOfMaine - Fix-A-Bike - #KitteryME
May 1 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
"Be your own mechanic! Learn how to maintain your bike, fix a flat, pump up a tire, change a chain or cable, make shifting adjustments, and more in a hands-on learning experience. Please bring your bike and be willing to get their hands dirty. Class may take place outside, weather permitting."
Thursday, May 1, 5:00-7:00 pm
Registration Fee: Free, prior registration required, class limited to 15
Traip Academy
12 Williams Ave.
KITTERY, ME 03904
Register here:
https://kittery.maineadulted.org/course/fix-a-bike/
#ReuseRepair #SolarPunkSunday
#BicycleRepair #BicycleMaintenance #DIY #Bikes #BikeTooters #BikeRepair
#RightToRepair #ReuseRepairRecycle #TraipAcademy
#BicycleCoalitionOfMaine - Fix-A-Bike - #BangorME
April 29 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
"Be your own mechanic! The Bicycle Coalition of Maine will provide the tools and instruction for this workshop. Learn how to maintain your bike, fix a flat, pump up a tire, change a chain or cable, make shifting adjustments, and more in a hands-on learning experience. This 2-hour-long workshop will take place outdoors. If the weather is inclement, it will take place in the Atrium.
"Bring your own bike, helmet, and any tools you have you’d like to practice using.
"Registration required."
https://www.bikemaine.org/event/bcm-fix-a-bike-bangor-3/
#ReuseRepair #SolarPunkSunday
#BicycleRepair #BicycleMaintenance #BuildingCommunity #Bikes #BikeTooters #BikeRepair
#RightToRepair #ReuseRepairRecycle #BangorPublicLibrary
#CharlottesvilleVA - #RepairCafé coming up at #ScrappyElephant
Apr 18, 2025
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- "People with a broken piece of jewelry or some clothing that needs to be fixed might be able to get it done for free at an upcoming event.
"The Cville TimeBank will be holding a Repair Café at the Scrappy Elephant on Allied Street on April 26.
"Attendees can bring up to three items in need of repair.
"Volunteers will be on hand to fix items. Repairs will be limited to 25 minutes if there are others waiting for assistance.
"However, organizers say there will be no jewelry soldering or extensive bead restringing at this event.
"This event is free to attend and open to the community. For more information, click on the link below:
#WestbrookME - #BicycleCoalitionOfMaine #MountainBike Maintenance Class
April 24 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
"Want to upgrade your bike or find out how to perform regular servicing on your rig? This is the class for you! Learn the tips and tricks to keeping your bike in top riding shape all year round with our intermediate maintenance class specifically geared towards maintaining hardtail and full-suspension mountain bikes. This program is made possible in partnership with Mast Landing Brewing Company, Gorham Parks and GPNemba. Register at the link below."
Free for BCM Members. $45 for non-members.
Mast Landing Brewing Company – Westbrook
920 Main St
Westbrook, Maine 04092 United States
https://www.bikemaine.org/event/bcm-mountain-bike-maintenance-class-2/
#ReuseRepair #SolarPunkSunday
#BicycleRepair #BicycleMaintenance #BuildingCommunity
#RightToRepair #ReuseRepairRecycle
#BathME - May 3 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
"Come to the #RepairCafe, where our expert volunteers can fix your everyday items and keep them out of the landfill. They can even show you how to do it yourself! We can fix:
- Electronics & Computers
- Clothing & Leather goods
- Small appliances & lamps
- Wooden furniture
- Knife sharpening
- 3D-printed repairs
- #Bike maintenance and repairs"
#HabitatRestore
1 Chandler Dr SUITE 2
Bath, Maine 04530 United States
Excellent! I love seeing more #RepairCafes! @WansteadClimateAction @restartproject
#ReuseRepairRecycle
How to Turn an “#EconomicBlackout” Into an All-Out War on #CorporatePower
Friday’s economic boycott is a one-day attack on corporate interests. The #degrowth movement calls for a broader societal shift.
Jonah Valdez, February 28 2025
Excerpt: "Rooted in the work of American and European political theorists of the 1970s, the 'degrowth' movement criticizes a #capitalist system that seeks unending growth and profit, which has led to #ecological and #environmental ruin such as the impacts of #ClimateChange.
"Instead, it advocates for a system that prioritizes the needs of the #planet and its people, such as #housing, #education, and #healthcare. According to Jason Hickel, a leading advocate of degrowth and author of 'Less is More: How Degrowth Will Save the World,' the movement calls for reducing consumption and production of things that harm the planet such #FossilFuels, #SUVs, #PrivateJets, #mansions, #FastFashion, #IndustrialBeef, #CruiseShips, and the #MilitaryIndustrialComplex.
"While the term may be unfamiliar to many Americans, its core ideas have cropped up in the Green New Deal’s goals of a post-fossil fuel economy; the pandemic-era phenomenon of white-collar workers voluntarily quitting their jobs and working less; and the recent social media trend of '#NoBuy,' which encouraged people to purchase less and #repurpose more.
"'People are getting a sense that they’re ripped off, that they’re being taken advantage of and exploited as consumers,' said Aaron Vansintjan, co-author of 'The Future Is Degrowth: A Guide to a World Beyond Capitalism.' 'It is promising that people are responding to the current moment by showing their distrust of these corporations.'
"The boycott has drawn wide–ranging media coverage, along with the attention of some celebrities. It also caught the attention of #LindaSarsour, a progressive activist best known for organizing the 2017 #WomensMarch after #Trump’s first election.
"'It is an easy risk-free way to invite masses of people to act in reaction to the outrageousness of this Administration,' Sarsour told The Intercept in an email."
https://theintercept.com/2025/02/28/no-buy-nothing-corporation-boycott-capitalism-degrowth/
#CorporateColonialism #Corporatocracy #RepairCafes #LibraryOfThings #ReuseRepairRecycle #CircularEconomy #CapitalismKills #EnvironmentalDamage #USPol #WorldPol #CapitalismMustDie #PlannedObsolescence #ProtectMotherEarth
Darn! This was in 2024. I'm hoping they do some this year!
Free! Saturday, June 8, 10am - 2pm, Eldredge Lumber and Hardware, 145 Presumpscot St., Portland ME
"Join us for an afternoon of learning and repairing while we reduce waste and promote sustainability in our community. Bring your broken household items such as small appliances, wooden furniture, bicycles, clothes, and more. Our team of skilled #Fixers will teach you how repair them for free!
"Think cozy coffee shop meets your dad’s workshop, meets your grandma’s knitting circle: a bright, bustling and inviting setting that has every tool for the job accessible to you and your expert volunteer. Yarn, nails, sewing machines, saws and hammers, etc. await those excited to take a stand against wasteful manufacturing practices.
"The Repair Café will feature designated workspaces for repairing small appliances, bicycles, textiles, and more. It will also be the home of comfy couches and sitting areas for those wanting to connect with like-minded community members. Need to fix your favorite sweater? Imagine someone guiding you through knitting a patch. Have a broken fan? There’s someone with electrical experience waiting for you at a workbench with all the necessary tools and parts. This is what we imagine the Repair Café can do for the community.
Repair Menu
- Bike repair/maintenance
- Small electrical appliances
- Furniture
- Knife sharpening
- Toys
- Audio/Visual equipment
- Smartphones
- Textiles
- Jewelry
- Lamps
- Vacuums
- Clocks
- And more!
FMI:
https://sustainabilityforme.org/repair-cafe/
#SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #RightToRepair #ReuseRepairRecycle #MaineRepairCafes #RepairCafesMaine #SouthernMaine #RepairCafes
A lot of my friends have used #MaineShoeRepair services to repair well-worn shoes and boots!
#Maine: #Cobblers and #RepairShops see shift in consumer habits to fix what's broken
Story by Caroline LeCour, March 22, 2025
"While modern consumer habits may drive a lot of people to simply replace things that have fallen into disrepair, there are many in Maine who are instead choosing to fix items that are broken.
"Steven Foss, owner of Maine Shoe Repair in #SouthPortlandME, said he has noticed a change in quality of materials of shoes over the past 38 years he's been in business.
"'Back in the day, all of the shoes were sewn on. Glued and sewn on. Now, the majority of them are just glued,' Foss said.
"He said the change in manufacturing highlights a shift in quality that has altered both his work and the shoe industry at large. Foss is one of only a few cobblers left in Maine, and he is committed offering affordable repair services, despite rising supply and equipment costs."
Source:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/personalfinance/cobblers-and-repair-shops-see-shift-in-consumer-habits-to-fix-whats-broken/ar-AA1BsA7R
#RepairShops #RightToRepair #ReuseRepairRecycle #SolarPunkSunday #ShoeRepair
#NewburyportMA: They can fix it: Annual spring #RepairCafe returning soon
By Jim Sullivan | Mar 20, 2025
NEWBURYPORT — "Folks hoping to get their bicycles fixed, their garden tools sharpened or even their house lamps mended should visit the Newburyport Senior/Community Center on Saturday, April 5, for the Time Trade Network of Greater Newburyport’s annual spring Repair Café.
"Taking place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the free event features over 30 local volunteers adept at tinkering with small appliances, textiles, jewelry, bikes, small wooden items and even mechanical clocks.
"Knife sharpening, as well as garden hand tool sharpening along with some expert advice on chair caning will also be offered.
"'We want to encourage people to have their items repaired instead of putting them into the waste stream,' event organizer Elizabeth Marcus said. 'They can also get to see just how easy and fun it can sometimes be.'
"The #TimeTradeNetwork of Greater Newburyport is a group of local volunteers willing and eager to share their knowledge as well as talents with one another.
At the Repair Café, people can bring up to three small, clean items then watch while each is repaired on the spot."
Archived version:
https://archive.ph/aSRM8#
#SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #RightToRepair #ReuseRepairRecycle #MassachusettsRepairCafes #TimeDollarNetwork #TimeDollars #TimeBanks #RepairCafeNewburyport
HT @jam
"Right to Repair is a vital part of Canada's path to economic resilience, and a sustainable future #canpoli "
https://theconversation.com/bolstering-canadas-right-to-repair-could-shield-it-against-u-s-tariffs-and-trade-uncertainty-248970
#RightToRepair #SolarPunkSunday #SolarPunk #Resilience #ReuseRepairRecycle
The US #RightToRepair movement is growing as wins stack up
Story by Iris Kim, March 9, 2025
"Peter Mui, founder of #Fixit Clinic, describes his repair work as a hobby that’s gotten out of control. What started as a tool share in Berkeley, California, has turned into a volunteer-run group that has organized more than 1,300 repair events around the country. At Fixit Clinics, people can bring any broken household item — from worn socks to broken toasters — and learn how to make them functional again.
"'During the last few years, interest in repair has exploded,' Mui said.
"He attributes this cultural shift to a growing awareness about the #environmental impact of #EWaste, as well as a raft of 'right-to-repair' laws passing across the U.S. Historically, manufacturers of computers, cars and tractors have cited copyright law to claim exclusive repair rights, allowing them to sue independent repair companies while preventing consumers from finding lower-cost alternatives.
"But in six states — California, Colorado, Minnesota, Maine, New York and Oregon — #RightToRepair laws have been passed to protect consumers’ ability to repair or modify their products instead of having to go through the manufacturer. Oregon’s law is the most recent, passing in 2024 and going into effect in January.
"As of March, right-to-repair bills had been introduced in all 50 states, and 20 state legislatures are currently debating such bills.
"The laws take different forms. Some narrowly target automobile manufacturers while others are broad enough to cover all consumer electronics. Though bipartisan federal legislation for automobile repair stalled last year, it was reintroduced last month."
Read more:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/the-right-to-repair-movement-is-growing-as-wins-stack-up/ar-AA1Ay4hH
#PlannedObsolescence #SolarPunkSunday #RepairCafes #ReuseRepairRecycle
