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Growing up, many of us knew a dad, granddad, or uncle who could fix just about anything—the wobbly chair leg, the busted radio, the leaky tap. Before we could order replacements with one click or tossed away things without thinking twice, there was a culture of repair, resourcefulness, and quiet pride in making things last.
This post feels especially close to my heart, having recently lost my own dad in early May. He was the one who kept things running at home—always fixing, building, and finding a way to make things work again. His hands were rarely still, and his care was in every little repair.
Now, in the midst of a global waste crisis and environmental reckoning, that old-school approach is making a meaningful comeback. And rightly so. The revival of repair culture isn’t just about sentimentality or saving money; it’s about honoring that legacy and building a more sustainable, resilient future.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL COST OF REPLACEMENT CULTURE
Let’s begin with the fundamentals: every product we acquire carries an environmental footprint, which encompasses everything from raw material extraction to manufacturing, shipping, packaging and eventual disposal. When we discard an item and opt for a new one, we effectively exacerbate that footprint.
The Fashion Industry's Impact
Consider clothing as an example. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation reports that the fashion sector accounts for approximately 10% of global carbon emissions. Producing a single cotton t-shirt consumes around 2,700 litres of water, roughly the amount one person drinks over two and a half years (that is, if they drink as much as they’re supposed to). Yet, millions of garments are discarded each year after only a few wears.
The Electronics Challenge
Electronics also contribute significantly to e-waste. In 2022 alone, the world generated over 50 million tonnes of electronic waste, with less than 20% being recycled correctly. Each discarded phone, toaster, or speaker contains valuable metals and rare earth elements, frequently sourced under environmentally harmful and socially exploitative conditions.
Choosing to repair an item instead of replacing it conserves energy, minimises resource extraction, and decreases emissions. Additionally, it prevents waste from filling landfills and allows products to enjoy a second, third, or even fourth life. In a world characterised by limited resources and growing waste, repairing is not merely nostalgic; it is essential.
Related – About International E-Waste Day
THE RISE OF REPAIR CULTURE
Repair is making a comeback, and it’s not just popular among fringe sustainability groups. With TikTok tutorials and local community initiatives, the movement to fix rather than discard is gaining momentum. My dad was a huge fan of The Repair Shop. He loved the care, craftsmanship, and emotion that went into every restoration. It was more than just a show to him—it was a reminder that fixing something is an act of love, and that even the most worn-out things can be made beautiful again.
right-to-repair legislation
In Europe, right-to-repair legislation is compelling manufacturers to create products that are easier to repair. Major tech companies are now being held accountable for producing devices that are nearly impossible to fix. In response, a growing number of businesses are providing repair manuals, spare parts, and modular designs that enhance a product’s longevity.
Additionally, there’s a rise in mending meetups, tool libraries and repair cafés, places where individuals can acquire skills, share knowledge and bond over shared values of sustainability and care. Some even view this as a form of quiet rebellion: in a consumer-driven world, choosing to repair something means opting out of the throwaway culture. On social media, influencers are transforming sewing repairs, upcycling, and DIY hacks into engaging content. The narrative is evolving from “make do and mend” as a necessity to “repair and thrive” as a lifestyle choice. And it was about time.
THE BENEFITS OF REPAIRING (FOR YOU AND THE PLANET)
So, what exactly do we gain by choosing to repair instead of replace? A lot more than you might think. Repairing isn’t just a nostalgic nod to the past—it’s a powerful, modern-day act of sustainability, self-reliance, and meaning.
1. Environmental Conservation
Repairing helps break the cycle of overconsumption that’s driving pollution and climate change. Every item we fix means one less product in landfill, fewer raw materials extracted, and lower emissions from production and shipping. It’s a quiet yet powerful way to reduce your environmental footprint—one screw, stitch, or solder at a time.
2. Financial Savings
Let’s face it—replacing things adds up quickly. Repairing is often a far more affordable option, whether it’s mending a ripped seam, fixing a toaster, or tightening a loose chair leg. Small fixes now can prevent larger, more costly breakdowns later. It’s an investment in both your wallet and the lifespan of your belongings.
3. Skill Building
There’s real satisfaction in learning to troubleshoot and fix something with your own hands. Repairing cultivates patience, resilience, and creativity. Each task builds a bit more confidence—making us less dependent on fast fixes and more empowered to take ownership of our things.
4. Emotional Value
There’s something deeply meaningful about repairing something you already love. A well-worn jacket, a chipped mug, a hand-me-down lamp—they all carry stories. Fixing them gives those stories more chapters. That emotional connection is why so many people gravitate toward vintage and secondhand goods today: they mean something, in a way mass-produced items often don’t.
5. Community Connection
Repair brings people together. Whether it’s through repair cafés, local workshops, or online DIY groups, the culture of fixing creates space for shared knowledge, support, and camaraderie. Helping someone patch a hole or rewire a plug can lead to friendships and foster a spirit of mutual care in our communities.
6. Cultural Preservation
Many repair techniques—darning, woodworking, metalwork, upholstery—are part of rich, intergenerational traditions. By continuing to practice and share them, we preserve a vital piece of cultural heritage. These acts of care reflect the wisdom of those who came before us—just like our dads, granddads, and elders who knew how to make things last.
One beautiful example comes from Japan: Kintsugi, the art of repairing broken pottery with gold, treats cracks not as flaws to hide but as part of an object’s history to highlight. It’s a powerful reminder that repaired things—like the people who mend them—can become even more meaningful through the process.
WHY & HOW CAN YOU GET STARTED?
For many, repair culture carries a deep, personal resonance. It lives in the quiet memories of learning to sew at a grandparent’s side, in a well-worn toolbox passed from parent to child, and in the familiar rhythm of mending, smoothing, and restoring what’s worn but still worthy.
One woman I spoke with recounted how her father was dedicated to fixing everything, not out of necessity, but because he believed that “throwing things away was throwing away lessons.” Another friend proudly wears a coat mended by his grandfather over 30 years ago, with the stitches still visible.
These are not merely delightful stories; they embody a mindset: the belief that objects deserve to be cared for, and that we can express our appreciation through our hands. As we reevaluate our relationship with the material world, these narratives offer subtle blueprints for a slower, more intentional way of living. But how can we get started?
You don’t have to be an expert craftsman or have a garage full of tools to begin repairing. In fact, some of the most useful fixes require little more than a needle, a screwdriver, or some YouTube tutorials. Although the journey to repairing your stuff may seem daunting, it doesn’t need to be.
Related – Re-Thinking Our Disposable Lifestyles
Start Small
Begin by selecting one item you were planning to discard—something simple and low-stakes that won’t cause stress if it doesn’t go perfectly the first time. It might be a sweater with a small hole under the arm, a peeling phone screen protector, or that wobbly kitchen chair you’ve been meaning to fix for months.
The key is to start small. Choose an item that holds just enough value to make the effort worthwhile, but not so much that it feels intimidating. This gentle entry point gives you the freedom to experiment, make mistakes, and build confidence. You’ll be surprised how satisfying it feels to breathe new life into something you thought was beyond saving—and how quickly the desire to fix more will follow.
Resources at Your Fingertips
There are excellent websites and video platforms that provide step-by-step repair instructions. YouTube is a treasure trove covering everything from sewing methods to electronic fixes. Websites like iFixit also offer comprehensive, device-specific repair manuals, particularly beneficial for laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Clothing Repairs
When it comes to clothing, learning a few basic mending techniques can go a long way in extending the life of your wardrobe. Start with simple skills like sewing on loose buttons, patching small tears, or darning worn-out socks or elbows. These repairs don’t require expensive equipment—just a needle, thread, and a bit of patience. Not only will you save money and reduce waste, but you’ll also develop a stronger connection to your clothes, appreciating the craftsmanship and care behind each piece.
If DIY isn’t your thing—or if you’re short on time—there are still great options. In the UK, apps like Sojo make it easy to access professional clothing repair and tailoring services. Simply send off your garment, and it comes back good as new. Services like these help bridge the gap between convenience and sustainability, letting you support skilled makers and reduce your environmental impact without having to stitch a single thread.
Whether you mend it yourself or outsource it, keeping clothes in use for longer is one of the most effective ways to reduce fashion waste—and it’s a habit that pays off for both your wallet and the planet.
Furniture Fixes
Start your furniture repairs with simple actions like tightening screws, gluing joints, or sanding and repainting surfaces. Don’t have the necessary tools? Many local libraries and community centres now offer tool libraries where you can borrow instead of buying.
Community Support
Still feeling uncertain? Visit a local repair café. These free community events, run by volunteers, assist in fixing your items while teaching you how to tackle similar repairs in the future. It’s not only practical but also a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and share skills. Check out this map to find out which one is the closest to your home.
The Threads That have Shaped me
If you were fortunate enough to grow up with someone skilled in repairs, you’ll know how those early lessons linger in your memory. Whether it was learning to patch a tire, sew on a button, or rewire a plug, those moments weren’t just practical—they were bonding experiences, quiet acts of care that taught us self-reliance and attention to detail.
For me, it was my mum who taught me how to sew. It started with simple stitches, but it quickly sparked a deeper fascination with clothing, craftsmanship, and eventually, a path into the fashion industry. Even now, my mum continues to inspire me—she creates the most beautiful quilts from repurposed fabrics and treasured textiles she’s held onto over the years. Her work is a testament to patience, creativity, and the value of making things last.
Lastly, Pass It On
Now, we have the opportunity to pass on those teachings ourselves. Showing children, neighbours, or friends how to fix something isn’t just about sharing a skill—it’s about investing in a more thoughtful, sustainable future. Every time we choose to mend instead of discard, we chip away at our culture of disposability and build something more enduring in its place.
So, this Father’s Day, let’s celebrate the fix-it role models who shaped us—dads, mums, grandparents, mentors—and honour their legacy in action. Unearth that broken blender. Repair that favourite pair of jeans. Learn a new skill. Share your wisdom. Because fixing things, much like our most meaningful lessons, is worth passing on.
Still searching for a Father’s Day gift? Take a look at my gift guide from last year—but this time, consider giving something even more lasting: the gift of time, a set of tools, or even a workshop you can enjoy together. The world doesn’t need more stuff. It needs more people who know how to make what they already have endure.
Related – Sustainable Father’s Day Gift Ideas