Ecologue

One of OSU’s long-standing traditions is the Repair Fair hosted by the Waste Watchers, a student organization whose mission is to engage students and the community in waste reduction on campus. The Repair Fair aims to directly use the Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Approach.

In the Global North, which are the countries that have traditionally been referred to as “developed nations”, consumerism is a prevailing trend. Inherent to consumerism is a throw-away culture, a societal practice focused on disposing a broken item and purchasing a new one, rather than repairing the broken item. Often times it is even cheaper to purchase a new item, rather than fixing it. In a world of finite resources, a consumerist society is a not sustainable. After the reduction of goods and resources, we must not forget about reusing before moving to recycling.

This is precisely what the Repair Fair is aiming to do. It is providing a space for reusing broken items, through professional repair. Everything from small electronics and appliances, bicycles, clothing, to housewares can be repaired. Additionally, DIY (Do-It-Yourself) skills can be learned through demonstrations of how to make your own toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc.

All of this is creating alternative structures to our modern consumerist approach by saving attendees money, reducing waste, and providing individuals with the skills to take care of their own needs. Connecting with others is inherent for Repair Fairs, a community that is working on the same goal is one of the outcomes!

Repair Fairs are put on once per term, so keep an eye out for one in February!

Brought to you by Jasen Philips, SSI Lab Coordinator- Waste Reduction