International Repair Day is a holiday that’s observed on the third Saturday in October and encourages everyone to try their hand at maintaining something or fixing something broken. This is a day that pushes back against our modern society’s habit of throwing things away when they’re broken instead of just taking the time to fix them.

Many of the machines and devices that end up in landfills could’ve been fixed if the person owning them was inclined to do so. This is a holiday that’s not only observed by individuals but is also observed by groups of people who come together to fix a common electrical or mechanical problem.

The History Of International Repair Day

International Repair Day was created by the Open Repair Alliance in 2017 — an international organization that has come together to work towards a world where electronic products are sustainable and easier to repair.

Before they created this day, they would run repair cafes where DIYers, handymen and women, and electricians came together to fix things. The foundation would help organizations set up these repair cafes to reduce waste. Eventually, the repair cafe model became so popular, that it was necessary to create a holiday around it.

Facts About Why It’s Better To Repair Than Buy New

Now that we’ve gone over the basic premise of this holiday, we would like to really dig down into its nuts and bolts. The following facts are what we uncovered during our research for this holiday. We think the following factoids highlight perfectly why more people should repair their broken devices than just throwing them out and buying them new.

• About 8 out of 10 people would rather buy from companies that reduce their impact on the environment.
• Approximately 9 out of 10 people are willing to buy more “green” goods over the next year.
• Approximately 75% of people feel that they can contribute to solving climate change with a more proactive approach.
• Currently, hair dryers, irons, and electric kettles have a 2-3 year life expectancy.
• Washing machines and dishwashers have an expected lifespan of 3-6 years.

Observing International Repair Day

People can observe this day by taking the time to join or start their own repair cafes and restart parties. A knowledgeable group of volunteers can fix a wide variety of devices with a little bit of determination. People should also spread the news about this holiday using the hashtag #InternationalRepairDay on social media.