Established in 2017, International Repair Day advocates for the significance of repair activities, emphasizing their value in events like Repair Cafés or Restart Parties within communities. This annual event takes place on the third Saturday of October. The inaugural International Repair Day was held on October 21, 2017, followed by the second on October 20, 2018. The 2018 event centered around the Right to Repair, emphasizing access to information and resources required for repair, as well as the necessity for products to be more durable, efficient, and repair-friendly.

History and Purpose

• Origins: International Repair Day was initiated by the Open Repair Alliance, a group that includes various organizations such as the Restart Project, Fixit Clinic, Anstiftung Foundation, and Repair Café International.
• Purpose: The day aims to:
  • Promote the repair of items to extend their lifespan.
  • Encourage the sharing of repair skills and knowledge.
  • Highlight the importance of repair in reducing waste and conserving resources.
  • Advocate for the right to repair, pushing against planned obsolescence and restrictive policies by manufacturers.

Themes

Each year, International Repair Day may have a specific theme to focus on particular aspects of repair culture. Examples include:

• 2020: "Repair for Future"
• 2021: "Repair Is Essential"
• 2022: "Repair Everywhere"
• 2023: "Repair for Everyone"

Significance

• Environmental Impact: Repairing items helps reduce waste and the environmental footprint associated with producing new goods. It conserves raw materials and reduces the pollution from manufacturing and disposing of products.
• Economic Benefits: Repairing can save money for individuals and communities by prolonging the life of products.
• Social and Community Engagement: Repair events and workshops foster community spirit, bring people together, and revive traditional repair skills.
• Advocacy for Rights: The day underscores the importance of the right to repair, advocating for policies that allow consumers to repair their own devices without restrictions from manufacturers.

Activities and Observances

• Repair Cafés and Clinics: Many communities organize repair events where volunteers help people fix their broken items, ranging from electronics and appliances to clothing and furniture.
• Workshops and Demonstrations: Educational sessions on how to repair various items, including tutorials and hands-on workshops.
• Advocacy Campaigns: Efforts to raise awareness about the right to repair and to lobby for legislation that supports repairability.
• Social Media Campaigns: Sharing repair tips, success stories, and information about repair events using hashtags like #RepairDay and #RightToRepair.
• Collaborations: Partnerships between repair organizations, environmental groups, educational institutions, and local governments to promote repair activities.

Benefits of Repair

• Sustainability: Repairing helps in building a more sustainable economy by reducing the demand for new products and minimizing waste.
• Skill Development: Learning to repair items can develop valuable skills and foster a DIY culture.
• Economic Savings: Repairing is often more cost-effective than buying new products.
• Community Building: Repair events create opportunities for social interaction and knowledge exchange within communities.

Challenges

• Manufacturer Restrictions: Many manufacturers design products that are difficult to repair, use proprietary parts, or have policies that limit repair options.
• Lack of Skills and Knowledge: Not everyone has the skills or confidence to repair items, which can be a barrier to promoting a repair culture.
• Access to Parts and Tools: Availability of spare parts and specialized tools can be a challenge for effective repair.

How to Get Involved

• Participate in Events: Join or organize a local repair café, clinic, or workshop.
• Learn Repair Skills: Take online courses, watch tutorials, or attend workshops to develop your repair skills.
• Support Right to Repair: Advocate for policies that support the right to repair and hold manufacturers accountable for making repairable products.
• Share Knowledge: Teach others how to repair their items and spread awareness about the benefits of repair.
• Buy Repairable Products: When purchasing new items, choose products that are designed to be repairable.

International Repair Day celebrates the power of repair to reduce waste, save money, and build community. It encourages a shift towards a more sustainable and self-sufficient culture by empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to fix their own belongings.