When things around the house stop working, what do you usually do with them? If you're like a lot of people, you probably just throw them away.
In some areas, it's difficult to find people who can make repairs, and fixing things can be quite expensive. Also, some small objects are so inexpensive that it's often easier to just buy a new one.
In 2009, Martine Postma from the Netherlands decided there must be a better way. Her solution was Repair Cafes: places where people can take broken items. There they will find tools, resources and volunteer experts who are ready to help with repairs.
Postma's first Repair Cafe opened on Oct. 18, 2009, in Amsterdam, and was a huge success. News of the cafe spread, and people began asking how they could start their own. In 2011, Postma set up the Repair Cafe Foundation. This nonprofit organization provides guidance to those hoping to begin their own neighbourhood repair group.
Today, there are about 2,000 Repair Cafes around the world with meetings usually taking place once a month. Around 25 objects are repaired during each meeting. Everything is free, but donations are greatly welcome.
The cafes not only provide help with repairs, they also strengthen community ties. Neighbours get to know one another as they work together on projects. Moreover, valuable knowledge is passed along and preserved. Items are kept rather than thrown away, meaning less rubbish in landfills.
Title: Repair Cafes
Basic information | ➢The first one wasby Martine Postma in Amsterdam in 2009. ➢About 2,000 of them have been set up all over the world so far. ➢Repairing things at such a cafe nothing but donations are welcome. |
➢They help improve the between neighbours. ➢They help pass along and preserve valuable knowledge. ➢They helpthe environment. |
