Skip to main content

The Collaborative Magic of Repair Fairs

A technician repairs the internal components of a desktop computer in a workshop.

Elnur/CanvaPro

Repair fairs are free community events where volunteers with various skills guide people in fixing their broken household items like electronics, bikes and toys. Often accompanied by a clothing and housewares swap, these fun community events promote skill-sharing, waste reduction and sustainability; boost DIY self-confidence; and encourage friendly conversation over a cup of coffee.

Originating in the Netherlands in 2009 to combat the throwaway culture, repair fairs have become a global movement supported by the nonprofit Repair Café Foundation, which organizes pop-up events worldwide. By mending, recycling and reusing items, participants safeguard the planet and save money, too.

 

Finding or Starting a Repair Fair

  • RepairCafe.org and TheRestartProject.org list thousands of repair events worldwide and also help individuals start their own local groups.

  • Search “repair fair near me” or “repair café near me” on the internet to find nearby events.

  • Facebook search for “repair fair”.

  • Local newspapers list these events in their calendars and can also help promote a new repair fair.

Common Fair Items

  • Clothing that needs to be mended, patched, hemmed or altered, as well as garments with missing buttons, broken fasteners or stuck zippers

  • Bicycles that need to be tuned up or that require repairs to brakes, gears, chains and tires

  • Small appliances, including toasters, blenders, coffee makers, mixers and food processors

  • Wooden furniture with loose joints or wobbly legs, or that need surfaces restored

  • Lamps that need to be rewired

  • Toys with broken pieces or mechanisms

  • Antiques, books, documents and old photographs that need to be preserved or restored

  • Jewelry with broken clasps or that need to be resized or polished

  • Miscellaneous items like umbrellas or tools in need of repair

Typical Skills Needed

  • Electricians to repair small appliances, lamps and other powered items

  • General maintenance and repair workers that can fix a variety of mechanical equipment and everyday items

  • Carpenters that can fix furniture or other structural items

  • Textile and sewing specialists to mend clothing, upholstery or other fabric goods

  • Bicycle mechanics for basic tune-ups and repairs

  • Jewelry repairers for treasured items

  • Electronics technicians for diagnosing and repairing household electronics such as radios or computers
 

Helpful Tips

  • Bring items in a clean and ready state.

  • Prepare a clear explanation of the problem that needs fixing.

  • Arrive early, or be prepared to wait.

  • Ask questions and bring a notebook and pen to take notes.

  • Have fun and engage in conversations.
In-Print, Green Living sustainability National Content Eco-Tip Sustainable Living February 2026

 

 

Upcoming Events Near You
Tick Tackler

Spring officially sprung on March 21. We have turned our clocks ahead. We are looking forward to warm winds, sunny skies and the smell of fresh cut grass. The daffodils and tulips have recently bloomed and we are just starting with the yard work that comes with the warmer weather.  Sadly, another season has started ramping up.  Tick season.

•             The best form of protection is prevention. Educating oneself about tick activity and how our behaviors overlap with tick habitats is the first step.

•             According to the NJ DOH, in 2022 Hunterdon County led the state with a Lyme disease incidence rate of 426 cases per 100,000 people. The fact is ticks spend approximately 90% of their lives not on a host but aggressively searching for one, molting to their next stage or over-wintering. This is why a tick remediation program should be implemented on school grounds where NJ DOH deems high risk for tick exposure and subsequent attachment to human hosts.

•             Governor Murphy has signed a bill that mandates tick education in NJ public schools. See this for the details.  Tick education must now be incorporated into K-12 school curriculum. See link:

https://www.nj.gov/education/broadcasts/2023/sept/27/TicksandTick-BorneIllnessEducation.pdf

•             May is a great month to remind the public that tick activity is in full swing. In New Jersey, there are many tickborne diseases that affect residents, including Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Powassan, and Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis.

•             For years, the focus has mainly been about protecting ourselves from Lyme disease. But other tick-borne diseases are on the rise in Central Jersey. An increase of incidence of Babesia and Anaplasma are sidelining people too. These two pathogens are scary because they effect our blood cells. Babesia affects the red blood cells and Anaplasma effects the white blood cells.

•             Ticks can be infected with more than one pathogen. When you contract Lyme it is possible to contract more than just that one disease. This is called a co-infection. It is super important to pay attention to your symptoms. See link.

https://twp.freehold.nj.us/480/Disease-Co-Infection

A good resource from the State:

https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/tickborne.shtml

 

Follow Us On Facebook