The Classic City Rotary of Athens Eco Passport is a year-long initiative to encourage members to engage in eco-friendly activities and promote environmental awareness. Members earn points by completing various sustainable actions, such as recycling, composting, attending environmental talks, and participating in service projects. ECORotary@sosuin.org
Eco Passport Item # 29 – “Before getting rid of and/or repurchasing an items, see if”
By Salome Alvarez, Southern Sustainability Institute, Athens, GA
Email: Blog@sosuin.org
In a world that often prioritizes convenience and new purchases, it’s easy to overlook the value of repairing or repurposing items. But by giving new life to what we already have, we can reduce waste, save money, and contribute to a more sustainable community in Athens. Repairing or repurposing items—whether it’s clothing, furniture, or electronics—can be as rewarding as it is eco-friendly.
A Little History of Repair Culture
In the past, repairing items was the norm. From mending clothes to fixing appliances, people would extend the life of their belongings instead of discarding them. As consumerism surged in the 20th century, however, disposable culture took over, and many began to view broken or worn items as replaceable rather than fixable. Today, with environmental awareness on the rise, people are rediscovering the benefits of repairing, reusing, and repurposing.
In Athens, the local community has embraced a growing “repair culture,” with workshops, fix-it events, and second-hand shops that help keep items out of landfills. Repairing or repurposing items saves money and resources and reduces our carbon footprint.
Why Repair and Repurpose?
Before rushing to replace something, consider the benefits of repair and repurposing:
- Reduce Waste and Save Resources: When we repair or repurpose items, we prevent them from ending up in a landfill, helping to keep our community cleaner. Fewer discarded items mean less pollution and a smaller need for raw materials, which helps protect natural resources.
- Save Money: Repairing and repurposing are often cheaper than replacing an item. A small repair might extend the life of your furniture, electronics, or clothing by years, which translates to significant savings over time.
- Support Local Businesses: Athens is home to small businesses specializing in repairs, from shoe cobblers and tailors to electronics and appliance technicians. By choosing to repair, you’re supporting the local economy and skilled craftspeople in the area.
- Encourage Creativity and Resourcefulness: Repurposing items can be a fun, creative activity. From turning old jars into storage containers to upcycling clothing, repurposing allows you to personalize your belongings and reduce waste.
- Reduce Carbon Footprint: When we choose to repair rather than replace, we reduce the demand for manufacturing, which often requires extensive energy, water, and resources. This small step can significantly reduce your environmental impact.
- Promote a Circular Economy: Repairing and repurposing are key components of a circular economy, where products are reused and recycled rather than discarded. By choosing this path, you’re contributing to a sustainable cycle that benefits everyone.
How to Start Repairing and Repurposing in Athens
Repairing or repurposing items is easier than ever, with plenty of resources and businesses in Athens to support you:
- Find Local Repair Shops: Athens has a variety of repair shops where you can get items fixed professionally. Look for cobblers for shoes, seamstresses for clothing alterations, and electronics shops for gadgets and appliances. Some places even specialize in unique repairs, such as jewelry or bike repair.
- Learn Simple Repairs at Home: For smaller repairs, consider learning a few skills at home. Basic sewing, furniture repair, or reupholstering can make a big difference and is often easier than you’d expect. Online tutorials or classes from the local library can be a great place to start.
- Attend Fix-It Clinics: Athens sometimes hosts fix-it clinics where volunteers help attendees with minor repairs for free. These events are a fantastic opportunity to learn repair skills, connect with the community, and extend the life of your belongings.
- Upcycle for Fun and Creativity: Repurposing is all about creativity! Transform glass jars into storage containers, old shirts into tote bags, or broken furniture into statement pieces for your home. Thrift stores around Athens are also great for finding items you can upcycle and repurpose.
- Take Advantage of Online Resources: There are plenty of online platforms and tutorials available for DIY repairs. From YouTube channels to repair forums, you’ll find guidance on everything from fixing electronics to patching up clothes.
- Host a Repair and Repurpose Day: Organize a small event with friends, family, or community members to repair or repurpose items together. It’s a fun way to share skills, pick up new ones, and make a difference collectively.
- Use Local Social Media Groups for Repair Recommendations: Athens-based social media groups often feature recommendations for local repair businesses and artisans. These groups can be a great way to discover skilled craftspeople and learn about repair opportunities in your community.
Supporting Athens’ Goals with Repair and Repurposing
Athens is actively working toward sustainability, with waste reduction and community-led initiatives in focus. By embracing repair and repurposing, residents can help reduce the environmental impact of waste and consumption. Every item repaired or repurposed is one less item in the landfill and one more step toward a sustainable future.
Organizations like Classic City Rotary and other local groups encourage sustainable living through initiatives, workshops, and events aimed at fostering a greener Athens. Repairing and repurposing items is an integral part of these efforts, contributing to a healthier community and planet.
Join the Movement: Embrace Repair and Repurposing for a Better Athens
Next time you’re about to throw something away or replace it, think about the benefits of repair and repurposing. It’s a choice that’s kinder to the planet, good for your wallet, and supportive of the Athens community. Whether it’s repairing a broken appliance or turning an old piece of clothing into something new, every action contributes to a greener, more sustainable Athens.
Let’s keep Athens beautiful and sustainable by choosing repair and repurposing—one item at a time.
Resources:
https://gradynewsource.uga.edu/athens-repair-cafe-tackles-climate-change-by-repairing-items-attitudes/
https://www.accgov.com/8510/Athens-Repair-Cafe