A critical human right

Reduce, reuse, recycle. We all know the litany. But there are several “r”s missing. Sandwiched between reduce and reuse is repair. Sounds obvious, but the companies that provide the goods we buy have a vested interest in making sure we keep on wasting everything. Some slap stickers on their goods warning of dire consequences if you open this panel and look inside. Some put “expiration dates” on items that can’t possibly expire like child safety seats.

Many companies like Apple and John Deere design their goods with unique tools or impossible glues. They frustrate owners by remaining the only source for the software, parts and special tools necessary to repair their products. Then they price repairs high enough to ensure customers will opt for a slightly more expensive new item instead.

There is a growing movement in the United States — a repair revolution — that needs nurturing. Repair Cafes, like Farmers Markets, are springing up everywhere connecting people with skills to people with broken stuff. This movement is essential to keeping the avalanche of discarded goods out of our landfills.

It started in 2012 when Massachusetts passed an automotive right-to-repair bill, which forced manufacturers to make the same information, software, and tools available to any mechanic who wanted it as they did to their dealers. Independent auto repair shops were able to remain open and consumers could choose their mechanic. Unfortunately for farmers, tractors and farm machinery are not covered by that law. Farmers are now trying to amend that oversight in a number of Midwestern states.

In 2020, the federal government joined the fray with a medical equipment right-to-repair bill so that hospitals could repair their own respirators and other essential equipment.

From smartphones to coffeemakers, America is drowning in broken goods that have been manufactured to be difficult, if not impossible, to repair. Planned obsolescence is not only expensive, it is evil. People should have the right to fix what they own. And most goods are repairable if you know the secret handshake. Online ifixit has spent a decade reverse-engineering products and posting the schematics for free. But they can’t teardown every product.

A right-to-repair law would force companies to post their schematics online and make the parts and tools to repair their products available to everyone at reasonable prices. It would force companies to state the expected life and repairability of their products. It might even embarrass companies into making better products. Nobody wants to admit that they make junk.

Seventeen states are considering right-to-repair laws. Shouldn’t Connecticut join them? Perhaps then people will stop tossing perfectly good electronics, gadgets and gizmos into the trash when they can take them down to their local Repair Café or fixit shop. A whole new generation of fixers is out there fighting for our right to repair. They need our support.

 

Lisa Wright divides her time between her home in Lakeville and Oblong Books and Music in Millerton where she has worked for nearly 40 years. Email her at wrightales@gmail.com.

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Lakeville Journal and The Journal does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

Latest News

Busking in the Berkshires
Brent McCoy of Secret Circus Show at Berkshire Busk!
Roman Iwasiwka

While playing outside in the early post-pandemic days, Berkshire Busk! founder Eugene Carr had an epiphany: why not expand the idea of performing on the street (aka busking)into a full-fledged festival in Great Barrington?

As an entrepreneur and cellist, Carr envisioned a well-organized jamboree featuring regional talent, including musicians, acrobats, storytellers, fire-eaters, and more. He formed a team, connected with local businesses and the town of Great Barrington, and launched Berkshire Busk! in 2021. Since then, Berkshire Busk! has grown into a summer staple for Great Barrington.

Keep ReadingShow less
'Sylvia' brings heart, humor and one unforgettable dog to Sharon Playhouse stage
Jonathan Walker as “Greg” and Jen Cody as “Sylvia”in rehearsal at The Sharon Playhouse.
Aly Morrissey

What if the dog onstage was played by a person? That’s the delightful twist in A.R. Gurney’s “Sylvia,” opening at the Sharon Playhouse on Aug. 29. In this clever and heartfelt comedy, the title character — a stray pup who disrupts the lives of a married couple — is portrayed not in costume but by an actor who brings insight, charm, and chaos to the role.

Stepping into Sylvia’s paws is Jen Cody, who is returning to the Sharon Playhouse in a starring role for her third year in a row, ready to bring this spirited dog to life. She’s joined by Jonathan Walker as Greg, the middle-aged man smitten with his new four-legged friend, and Jennifer Van Dyck as Kate, his wife, whose patience and identity are tested by Sylvia’s sudden presence in their home.

Keep ReadingShow less
Labor Day weekend art, design and local finds

Paul Chaleff’s exhibit at Mad Rose Gallery in Millerton.

Provided

The unofficial end of summer is here, and while some of us may mourn the shortening days and cooler nights, the culturally-inclined denizens of the Litchfield Hills, Berkshires and Taconics have plenty to look forward to.

During Labor Day weekend, visit one of the offerings below, and maybe even take home a watercolor, rug, or locally-crafted wooden bowl to ready your home for the indoor season ahead.

Keep ReadingShow less