Skye Climate Action: Repair as an antidote to consumerism

A meeting to move forward plans for a local Repair Cafe, initially in the Broadford area, but in the hope that it will spread around Skye and Raasay.  To stimulate thinking and discussion, we will be joined by Miriam Adcock or colleague from Zero Waste Scotland, speaking on their recently-launched campaign for responsible consumption.

Over recent months, Skye’s repair enthusiasts have had many conversations and a couple of physical meetings. Ideas emerging are that the Repair Cafe would be informal and social, solutions would be worked out together, with teaching and learning of skills. Some items would be retained by the original owner, but some would be made available free or at low cost to the community. The recent ‘Waste Not at Hobbitin’ event showed that exchanging unwanted items can work alongside repair or refurbishment. These ways of re-using items fits into the circular economy and reduces consumption of new resources (and carbon cost).

Just about any items can be considered by the Repair Cafe: clothes, soft furnishings, toys, bikes, shoes, tools, computers, electrical appliances, furniture, household / garden / croft stuff … Bring it along or ask about it and get advice. It might be that there is no-one in the group who can fix it, but we will also keep a list of professional ‘fixers’ and be able to refer on. We don’t wish to take business away from commercial repairers, but to foster a culture of repair and re-use. If the challenge and satisfaction of mending or doing things up becomes the norm, the need to have ‘new stuff’ becomes less dominant. That way, there should be plenty for community groups and those in the business of restoration.

The aims of the meeting are: to firm up some of the ideas – and take on new ones, identify people who are, or might be interested in contributing from time to time; decide on at least one physical meeting in the next month or so; keep the momentum going. Come along if you want to know more or to chip in to the discussion.

Contact Anne for the zoom link.