Image by hosny salah from Pixabay
20.05.2024

How to establish a repair workshop for the citizens

Here are the recommendations from Tartu, Estonia.

Recommendations how the repair workshop can be replicated

1. Legislative prerequisites

  • A balanced legislative framework that considers consumer, environmental, and business interests is crucial for the success of repair workshops. 

2. Technology prerequisites

  • Potentially no new technology development is needed if the workshop’s main focus is using traditional repair methods.

3. Stakeholders

  • Community members, local businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, environmental organisations, nonprofit groups, and media influencers.

4. Investments

  • Rents, equipments, materials and tools, personnel (in Tartu case approx. 150 000 €/year in total)

5. Funding

  • Public financing is needed, however service fees can cover expenses too.

6. Social dimensions

  • Overcoming cultural resistance to repair, promoting sustainable lifestyle attitudes, and understanding the needs and preferences of diverse demographics are key to fostering acceptance and participation in the repair culture. 

7. Environmental implications

  • Reducing waste by extending the lifespan of consumer goods, promoting sustainable consumption habits, and supporting the circular economy by minimizing resource extraction and waste generation.