We've all heard the phrase, "They don't make things like they used to."
Now a growing number of eco-minded Canadians are deciding that just won't do. Coffee makers, lamps, toasters and kettles can often be fixedinstead of tossed into the trash when they stop working.
"A lot of things these days break quite easily," says Wai Chu Cheng, the co-founder of Repair Caf Toronto, a non-profit organization with 800 volunteers on call, eager to teach people how to fix household items. "People aren't sure they can repair it themselves, and we show them how."
The Repair Caf holds monthly gatherings, where not only small appliances and other household goods get fixed, but also clothing that needs patches or mending.
When the Repair Caf started seven years ago in Canada, there was only one chapter, in Calgary. Now Cheng says there are 47 similar Caf organizations in cities across the country providing the same type of services free. More are coming; Cheng says she's been getting calls from community groups who want help to set up their own, local repair group.
The cost of replacement has always been a motivation to have things repaired, but nowadays Cheng says climate and waste concerns are driving a surge in interest, particularly with young people.
Anita Neufeld came to a recent Repair Caf with a broken tape deck. "The main reason for me to fix things is to be able to reuse stuff and keep it out of the landfill."
For-profit companies are also on top of the trend. Tim McGuire is CEO of Mobile Klinik, a chain of 80 stores that repair mobile devices in malls and Walmart locations across the country. He points out that the chain was recently ranked as the 12th fastest growing company in Canada, with plans to have 200 locations coast to coast within the next three years.
"There are a lot of people that would like to get more years out of an electronic device, rather than putting it into a landfill," he says.
McGuire says it's not uncommon for manufacturers to advise consumers to buy a new device, instead of having an old one fixed. But it appears many people are loathto incur that expenseor to contribute to Canada's waste situation.
"If you go back two years, the average phone lasted about two and a quarter years. Now customers are keeping their phones for over three years, and we see that continuing to increase every year," he says.
At a recent Repair Caf event, some of those in attendance blamed manufacturers for building devices with "planned obsolescence" in mind, in order to boost sales.
"They're made to be broken," says Paul Magder, one of the co-founders of the Toronto chapter. "They're made to be thrown out, to make money for the manufacturers. That's their business model."
Magder, who once worked in the manufacturing sector, says it's all about cost. "They use plastic parts, cheap parts and then they break. If they have to use metal parts it'll be more expensive, but then it will last longer."
Consumers, however, are highly price-sensitive, and manufacturers focus on keeping prices as low as possible, in order to compete.
In a statement provided to CBC News the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers cautions, "An untrained or uncertified person performing a repair may not be aware of or understand how to ensure an appliance continues to meet the various safety standards required to keep Canadians safe."
Michael Coteau is a member of theOntario Legislaturewho introduced a private member's bill last year, proposing a requirement for manufacturers to make parts and repair instructions widely available. But as a Liberal-sponsored bill, it was promptly voted down by Ontario's Conservative majority government.
"My father is a washing machine repairman," says Coteau. "That's what he's done his whole life. As consumers, as Ontarians, as Canadians, we need to make sure that as we move along in this age of advancement in technology, we have control of our devices.'
Coteau points out that the European Union parliament is on course to pass "right to repair" legislation, specifying the number of years a manufacturer must make reasonably priced parts available, among other measures to promote repairability in appliances. In addition, 20 American states are considering similar legislation, according to the Washington-based Public Interest Research Group.
But Coteau says that shortly after he tabled his bill, a delegation from the tech industry arrived in his Queen's Park office. "It was a whole industry group, and they came in and sat down to make a counter argument to the right to repair movement, saying that it was dangerous for people to open up their products."The group also made an argument about compromising intellectual property.
"I don't think it's reasonable," says Coteau. He's considering reintroducing his bill.
But many Canadians aren't waiting for legislation or for manufacturers to act. They're helping each otherat events like the Repair Caf gathering in Toronto.
"I have a pair of probably 20-year-old jeans that are being repaired," explained Brian Brenie, as a fixer showed him how to patch his favourite denim. "They're so comfortable, I just can't get rid of them and I don't want to throw them away, so I always come to the Repair Caf to get these types of things done."
Charmaine Iding came to the Caf to get her phone fixed, and got a necklace restrung while she was there. "The real problem is in design where they don't make things to be fixed they make things to be obsolete, so people will keep consuming. That is the real problem."
See more here:
Don't buy new, fix the old: The repair business is booming - CBC.ca
- Two appliance repair firms slapped with huge fines over thousands of spam calls - including targeting the elderly - MSN - October 17th, 2024 [October 17th, 2024]
- Local Appliance Repair Powerhouse, Appliance Shark, Expands with New Discount Store in Overland Park - EIN News - October 17th, 2024 [October 17th, 2024]
- Two appliance repair firms slapped with huge fines over thousands of spam calls - including targeting the elderly - This is Money - October 17th, 2024 [October 17th, 2024]
- 94% of Homeowners Spent $2,800 On Major Appliance Repairs Or Replacements In The Last Five Years - Forbes - October 9th, 2024 [October 9th, 2024]
- Bosch Dishwasher Warranty Review: Coverage and Cost (2024) - MarketWatch - October 9th, 2024 [October 9th, 2024]
- Whirlpool Warranty Review: What Does It Cost And Cover? - Forbes - October 9th, 2024 [October 9th, 2024]
- Home Depot Extended Warranty: What Does It Cost And Cover? - Forbes - October 9th, 2024 [October 9th, 2024]
- US Appliance Repairs Announces Expansion of Service Area to the Entire United States - Yahoo Finance - September 20th, 2024 [September 20th, 2024]
- Samsung Earns #1 for Service Excellence in TVs and Home Appliances by ACSI - samsung.com - September 20th, 2024 [September 20th, 2024]
- Are Appliance Extended Warranties Worth It? (2024) - USA TODAY - September 20th, 2024 [September 20th, 2024]
- Home maintenance expert reveals simple trick that could add years to your washing machines life: I never knew this - MSN - September 7th, 2024 [September 7th, 2024]
- Jerry Davich: Duct tape and pizza are my tools for home repair projects - Bismarck Tribune - September 7th, 2024 [September 7th, 2024]
- Why Your Refrigerator Is Leaking Water (and How to Fix It) - Lifehacker - December 11th, 2023 [December 11th, 2023]
- Best Home Warranty In Florida Of 2023 Forbes Home - Forbes - December 11th, 2023 [December 11th, 2023]
- The Best Home Warranty Companies in New Mexico (2023) - MarketWatch - December 11th, 2023 [December 11th, 2023]
- CAppliances Repair Provides Affordable and Reliable Appliance Repair Services in Winnipeg and Surrounding - EIN News - May 15th, 2023 [May 15th, 2023]
- PD Editorial: Give Californians the 'right to repair' - The Santa Rosa Press Democrat - May 15th, 2023 [May 15th, 2023]
- How much does it cost to be a landlord? - Northwest Georgia News - May 15th, 2023 [May 15th, 2023]
- Here's How Much It'll Cost You To Repair Your Washing Machine - House Digest - May 15th, 2023 [May 15th, 2023]
- Dah Chong Hong Leverages the OutSystems High-Performance ... - PR Newswire Asia - May 15th, 2023 [May 15th, 2023]
- A cafe offering a free repair shop is coming to Brixton - Southwark News - May 15th, 2023 [May 15th, 2023]
- Welcome to the E-Commerce Era of Home Services - ReadWrite - May 15th, 2023 [May 15th, 2023]
- Should You Repair or Replace Your Broken Over-the-Range ... - Consumer Reports - May 15th, 2023 [May 15th, 2023]
- Thomas L. Bogdan - The Mon Valley Independent - May 7th, 2023 [May 7th, 2023]
- Most Americans say they lack ready cash to cover a surprise $400 expense - Autoblog - May 7th, 2023 [May 7th, 2023]
- Veteran of 35 years Chavis integral to OCVFC | Ocvfc Volunteer ... - Ocean City Today - May 7th, 2023 [May 7th, 2023]
- I'm a washing machine expert and I know where your missing socks are - Daily Mail - May 7th, 2023 [May 7th, 2023]
- WATCH: Warren Peay Impresses With Zac Brown Band Cover On ... - Country Now - May 7th, 2023 [May 7th, 2023]
- Best Appliance Repair Services of 2023 - ConsumersAdvocate.org - March 24th, 2023 [March 24th, 2023]
- How To Find The Best Local Appliance Repair Company - Forbes - March 24th, 2023 [March 24th, 2023]
- Kitchen Appliance Repair Service | Mr. Appliance Home Services - October 24th, 2022 [October 24th, 2022]
- Commentary: An editor who helped to build a better community - SW News Media - August 20th, 2022 [August 20th, 2022]
- Weston and Worle Appliances opens in Weston-super-Mare | Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News - Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News - July 14th, 2021 [July 14th, 2021]
- Should You Buy a Used Appliance? Here Are Some Things to Consider - NBC4 Washington - March 9th, 2021 [March 9th, 2021]
- Somali American renters asked their Minnesota landlord to repair hazardous electrical problems. The property managers commented on the womens English... - March 9th, 2021 [March 9th, 2021]
- What to look for when buying used appliances - WFMYNews2.com - March 9th, 2021 [March 9th, 2021]
- 49 Tips for Finding the Perfect Repair in Dallas - D Magazine - March 9th, 2021 [March 9th, 2021]
- COVID-19 VACCINE COMMUNITY CLINIC this Thursday at Church of the Living God | Texarkana Today - TXK Today - March 9th, 2021 [March 9th, 2021]
- Cinch Home Services Expands Presence In The P&C Insurance Industry Through New Partnership With John M. Glover Insurance Agency - Insurance News Net - March 9th, 2021 [March 9th, 2021]
- See Whos Been Nominated As Havertowns Best Businesses - Patch.com - December 10th, 2020 [December 10th, 2020]
- Beth Acquaire: Thirty years of development and growth - Marketscreener.com - December 10th, 2020 [December 10th, 2020]
- On a roll: For some Chattanooga businesses, demand for what they do is at fever pitch - Chattanooga Times Free Press - December 10th, 2020 [December 10th, 2020]
- Fix, or Toss? The Right to Repair Movement Gains Ground - The New York Times - October 24th, 2020 [October 24th, 2020]
- Single-Family Rental Neighborhoods Are Hot in the Twin Cities Right Now - Motley Fool - October 24th, 2020 [October 24th, 2020]
- How to buy the best patio heater - Business Insider - Business Insider - October 24th, 2020 [October 24th, 2020]
- Looking for local appliance repair? Why you can't always trust what you find on Google Maps - CBC.ca - October 20th, 2020 [October 20th, 2020]
- Question 1 Is About Much More Than Car Repair. Its A Civil And Consumer Rights Issue - WBUR - October 20th, 2020 [October 20th, 2020]
- Google launches the second cohort of Gaming Growth Lab acceleration program - CTech - October 20th, 2020 [October 20th, 2020]
- Latest round of unofficial results bring election into clearer focus - Juneau Empire - October 20th, 2020 [October 20th, 2020]
- Cold callers tricked my father-in-law into paying 1,000 a month to insure his fridge - Mirror Online - October 20th, 2020 [October 20th, 2020]
- Service Fusion Recognized as a Top 5 Company on the 2020 Fast Tech List - PRNewswire - October 20th, 2020 [October 20th, 2020]
- Read These Car Books While Youre Quarantined - Autoweek - March 23rd, 2020 [March 23rd, 2020]
- Yes, We're OPEN! List of Local Merchants Open for Business - bigcountrynewsconnection.com - March 23rd, 2020 [March 23rd, 2020]
- Roundup of What's Open, What's Closed in Miami Beach due to the Coronavirus Pandemic - RE:MiamiBeach - March 23rd, 2020 [March 23rd, 2020]
- Amy Lindgren: Workers of America: Keep calm and carry on - TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press - March 23rd, 2020 [March 23rd, 2020]
- What you can repair is what you own - Experts & Views - Legally India - March 23rd, 2020 [March 23rd, 2020]
- Adventures at the Repair Cafe | Columnists - San Mateo Daily Journal - March 4th, 2020 [March 4th, 2020]
- Homeserve (LON:HSV) Price Target Raised to GBX 1,090 at HSBC - Slater Sentinel - December 22nd, 2019 [December 22nd, 2019]
- Puls Announces Expanded Suite Of Home Services And New Membership Program, Puls+, In 22 Markets Across The US - PRNewswire - December 19th, 2019 [December 19th, 2019]
- A customer escaped the Jersey City attack. He says it was clear the shooters 'came to kill' - CNN - December 19th, 2019 [December 19th, 2019]
- San Antonio Appliance Repair | SAMEDAY Appointments | SW ... - November 6th, 2019 [November 6th, 2019]
- Appliance Repair Miami - Magic City Appliance Repair - October 15th, 2019 [October 15th, 2019]
- Appliance Repair San Antonio - SAMEDAY Appointments - October 1st, 2019 [October 1st, 2019]
- Able Appliance Repair Kansas City | Home Appliance, Heating ... - October 1st, 2019 [October 1st, 2019]
- 25 Best Appliance Repair Services - San Antonio TX ... - March 17th, 2019 [March 17th, 2019]
- 5 Best Small & Major Appliance Services - Secaucus NJ ... - January 7th, 2019 [January 7th, 2019]
- Domex Ltd - Domestic Appliance Repairs & Installation in London - October 30th, 2018 [October 30th, 2018]
- Home Appliance Repair Services | Mr. Appliance - October 30th, 2018 [October 30th, 2018]
- Appliance Repair Parts Store for the Do-It-Yourselfer - October 30th, 2018 [October 30th, 2018]
- 25 Best Appliance Repair Services - Dallas TX | HomeAdvisor - October 30th, 2018 [October 30th, 2018]
- , WA 238 Appliance Servicemen near you - Thumbtack - October 30th, 2018 [October 30th, 2018]
- Appliance Repair | Complete Appliance Repair Salt Lake - August 14th, 2018 [August 14th, 2018]
- Thompson's Appliance Repair | Rockwood, Belleville, Canton MI - July 24th, 2018 [July 24th, 2018]
- Appliance Repair | DIY Appliance Service & Maintenance - July 5th, 2018 [July 5th, 2018]
- Appliance Repair & Installation Services in New York, NY - July 5th, 2018 [July 5th, 2018]
- Appliance Works: Appliance Repair - October 19th, 2017 [October 19th, 2017]
- Appliance Repair in Toledo Ohio - October 19th, 2017 [October 19th, 2017]
- Mr. Appliance | Expert Appliance Repair - October 16th, 2017 [October 16th, 2017]
- Appliance Repair Miami - Fast Refrigerator & Washer Services - September 25th, 2017 [September 25th, 2017]
- Appliance Repair Service | Tacoma, WA - July 2nd, 2017 [July 2nd, 2017]