RS announces that it has launched a ‘Fight to Repair’ series, as part of RS DesignSpark’s Mission Responsible, to look at the vibrant culture of Repair Cafés across the world.
The Repair Café movement, founded in Amsterdam in 2009 by journalist and environmentalist Martine Postma, offers a practical response to our throwaway culture – bringing communities together to fix broken things with the help of skilled volunteers. Now active in over 40 countries, Repair Cafés promote waste reduction, skills sharing, and sustainable living.
With 62 million tonnes of electronic waste (e-waste) discarded each year, these grassroots initiatives play a vital role in shifting consumer habits towards repair over replacement. RS DesignSpark’s Mission Responsible supports this idea by encouraging a more responsible and resourceful approach to design and technology, inspiring engineers to design with sustainability in mind – reducing waste, extending product lifecycles, and fostering a circular economy.
Pete Wood, Director of RS DesignSpark said: “Engineers and designers often find their spark at Repair Cafés. In a world built to discard, choosing to fix something is a radical act of care, creativity, and resistance.”
In his five-part blog series, RS DesignSpark contributor and creative technologist Jude Pullen explores Repair Cafés in London and Hong Kong, uncovering cultural differences and local attitudes towards repairability and sustainable design.
“In Hong Kong, Repair Cafés are more than just places to fix things – they’re a quiet rebellion against consumerism, tucked into the heart of a hyper-modern city. Volunteers aren’t just repairing objects; they’re restoring connection, purpose, and pride in making things last.
“For junior and mid-level engineers, these spaces offer invaluable hands-on experience, insights into user needs and repair legislation, and opportunities to collaborate with seasoned professionals. It’s a win-win for skill-building and community impact.”
‘Repair Café Culture’, a fight to repair series, is now available on DesignSpark.com.
