If you have a damaged bicycle, a torn sweater or a broken necklace – don’t toss it. Instead, get it fixed at Environment Lethbridge and the Lethbridge Public Library’s first-ever Repair Cafe Oct. 26.
It’s a chance for you to repair broken or damaged items that might otherwise end up in the landfill.
Volunteer ‘fixers’ will provide simple repairs, and you’re asked to pre-register and provide a description of the item prior to the event. If repairs can’t be completed on-site, volunteers will offer assessments for more complicated fixes.
“It can be daunting to fix broken items if you don’t have the right tools or skills,” says Environment Lethbridge Executive Director Kathleen Sheppard. “Repair cafes are a way for community members to share their repair expertise and help other residents.”
Repair cafes are held around the world and offer an easy and inexpensive way for people to have items repaired, when they might otherwise be thrown away.
“We’ve had a good response for volunteers stepping forward to fix things. Hopefully, people will bring their things,” adds Sheppard.
For Environment Lethbridge, Sheppard explains, it’s all about extending the life of items and keeping them from being thrown in the landfill. “When they still have some use left in them.”
“The more things we can keep from being thrown away, the better it is for the environment.”
One of the big things Environment Lethbridge recommends on a regular basis is paying attention to the care instructions when buying something new, including clothes.
“We all have this tendency to just throw them into the washing machine. But if you’re paying attention to how they need to be washed, they’ll last a lot longer, and that will keep them out of the landfill,” Sheppard notes.
Waste Reduction Week is also coming up next week, Sheppard says. “We will be having various tips, events and things like that we’ll be promoting through the week to help people reduce their waste footprints.”
Repair Cafe will run from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Visit online at lethlib.ca/events/repair-cafe to register your items.
Additional repair cafes will be held in March, June and September next year.
To volunteer at future repair cafes, please fill out the form online at environmentlethbridge.ca.
