No actual repairing today (it's the Christmas season!), but sharing this repair manifesto I found and had pinned a while back! It was written by Amsterdam based Platform21 (unfortunately, now closed, but website still up), a design platform seeking ways to positively influence the relationship between user and the product. My favourite is #9 "Repaired things are unique", but what got me thinking is "Stop Recycling. Start Repairing". Would a repair on my garment make it an upcycle especially when the repair gives it a new look?
Platform21 had sought feedback from its readers regarding the manifesto. Here are a few very valid points, some of which I feel need to be addressed if the repair culture needs to move forward. I've also included some of my thoughts (smaller font!)
"If we can buy something which is cheaper than the high quality products, are we still willing to repair it?"
"Western businesses and governments have staked everything on innovation, the antithesis of repair. It's the rationale behind sending everyone to university and encouraging the creative economy."
Hey, shouldn't designing things to be repairable be part of innovation itself?
"...product designers should be looking at making products that are not only affordable, but also 'repairable'. .."
Would companies be willing to change their business model? Can businesses be sustainable if product design incorporates emotional design and repairability?
"..Clothing is already made repairable - it comes with spare buttons all the time. "
So true! But perhaps retailers could include a swatch of the fabric as well so we can repair hems and tears too?
What do you think?
I like the idea of an extra swatch for clothing.
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