The Right to Repair – My Stuff!!!

The Right to Repair My Stuff!!!

The Right To Repair

I should have the right to repair my stuff! I bought it, and paid good money for it. And now that it’s broken? The company that made it essentially said, “Too bad, guess you need a new one!”

Sound familiar?

From smartphones to washing machines, fixing things is harder than ever. And it’s not because repairs are impossible. It’s because manufacturers have made them that way on purpose.

The Built-to-Break Business Model

Companies don’t want you fixing things. They want you to replace them.

Once upon a time, a washing machine could last 20 years. Now? You’re lucky to get five before a costly repair makes you wonder if you should just buy a new one.

Modern electronics. A cracked phone screen? That used to be a quick, affordable repair. Now, many brands glue everything together, making it nearly impossible to replace just one part.

Some companies even use software locks, so only they can repair the device.

And cars are even worse. More and more repairs require proprietary software only available to dealerships. That means mechanics (or even you) can’t fix them without jumping through ridiculous hoops.

A few months ago, we lost a set of car keys. The car dealership quoted $217 for the appointment and $60 for the key. I called one of the few locksmiths who listed “auto key replacement”. The same service, $60. And yeah, I let them know all about it when I cancelled my appointment.

The Waste Problem No One Talks About

This isn’t just frustrating, it’s ”wasteful. Every time we’re forced to replace instead of repair, we’ve made more trash. E-waste alone is a growing crisis, with millions of tons of discarded phones, laptops, and gadgets polluting landfills every year.

And the kicker? Many of these devices could have been fixed easily if only companies allowed it.

So, What’s s the Solution?

Enter the Right to Repair movement. This isn’t about getting free fixes from manufacturers, it’s about having the legal right to repair the things we own. That means:

• Access to replacement parts at reasonable prices

• Manuals and schematics made available to the public

• Software that isn’t locked down by the manufacturer

• The ability to choose who fixes our stuff (including ourselves)

Thankfully, some progress is happening. Laws are being pushed worldwide, and a few brands (begrudgingly) are starting to offer better repair options.

Apple, for example, recently opened up self-repair programs, though not without some complications. Canada just changed the Copyright Act to allow bypassing digital locks to make software fixes.

What Can We Do?

The more we demand repairable products, the harder it is for companies to ignore us. Here’s how we can push back:

1. Support the Right to Repair Legislation. Many places are fighting for these laws, but they need public pressure to pass.

2. Choose Repair-Friendly Brands Some companies, like Fairphone and Framework, design products with easy repairs in mind.

3. Learn Basic Repairs. You don’t need to be a pro, but learning simple fixes can save money and the planet.

4. Call Out Bad Practices. If a company makes it impossible to repair their products, let them (and everyone else) know. Social media is a powerful tool.

The Bottom Line

We don’t just buy products, we invest in them. And we deserve the right to keep them working for as long as possible.

Companies shouldn’t have the final say in whether our things get fixed. We should.