Electronic Repair: Workshops to Extend the Life of Your Devices

In the era of rapid consumption, where electronic devices are replaced increasingly frequently, repair shops are emerging as an essential solution to combat planned obsolescence and reduce e-waste. By 2025, the right-to-repair movement has gained global traction, and these spaces have become centers of technological empowerment and sustainability.

Why Repair Instead of Replace?

Environmental Impact

• E-waste: 53 million tons are generated annually globally, of which only 17% is properly recycled.
• Carbon footprint: Producing a new smartphone emits 60 kg of CO₂, while repairing it can reduce this figure by 80%.
• Natural resources: Extracting materials for new devices depletes non-renewable resources and causes deforestation and pollution.

Economic Benefits

• Family Savings: Repairing a laptop can cost €150-300, compared to €800-1,200 for a new model.
• Job Market: Repair shops generate local jobs and foster technical skills in the community.

Types of Electronic Repair Workshops

1. Community Workshops

• Focus: Collaborative spaces where participants learn to repair their devices with tools and guides.
• Examples:
  • Restart Project (London): Offers events where volunteers help repair devices.
  • Fixit Clinic (USA): Free workshops to repair electronics and reduce waste.
• Advantages: They encourage collective learning and strengthen the community.

2. Specialized Workshops

• Specific devices: Phones, laptops, consoles, or appliances.
• Services:
  • Screen replacement.
  • Battery replacement.
  • Motherboard repair.
• Example: iFixit offers tools, guides, and spare parts for advanced repairs.

3. Eco-Conscious Company Workshops

• Committed Brands:
  • Fairphone: Designs modular, repairable smartphones.
  • Framework: Develops laptops with upgradeable components.
• Initiatives: Partnerships with local repair shops to ensure affordable repairs.

Skills You Learn in a Repair Shop

1. Troubleshooting: Identifying hardware and software issues.
2. Tool Use: Multimeters, soldering irons, and precision screwdrivers.
3. Component Replacement: Batteries, screens, keyboards, and cameras.
4. Software Management: Restoring operating systems and removing malware.

Global Initiatives Promoting Reparation

1. Right to Repair Law

• European Union: Requires manufacturers to provide spare parts and manuals for 7 years.
• United States: Several states have passed laws facilitating access to parts and tools.

2. Collective Repair Events

• Repair Café: A global network with more than 2,500 repair shops in 40 countries.
• International Day of Repair: An annual celebration to promote a culture of repair.

How to Find a Reliable Repair Shop

1. Search for recommendations: Ask on local forums or social media.
2. Check certifications: Some shops have certified technicians.
3. Check reviews: Platforms like Yelp or Google Reviews offer user opinions.
4. Ask about warranties: Reputable repair shops offer warranties on their repairs.

The Future of Electronic Repair

• Modular Technology: Devices designed to be easily disassembled and upgraded.
• 3D Printing of Spare Parts: Allows you to create specific parts on the fly.
• Augmented Reality: Interactive Guides for Complex Repairs

Tips to Keep Your Devices Lasting Longer

1. Regular Cleaning: Avoid dust buildup on fans and ports.
2. Software Updates: Keep your operating system and apps up to date.
3. Use Protective Cases: Use cases and tempered glass to prevent physical damage.
4. Proper Charging: Avoid constantly charging batteries to 100%.

“Repair isn’t just about fixing a device; it’s about rebuilding our relationship with technology and the planet.” — Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit.