The recent Right to Repair Act alas excluded phones and laptops, so the big tech companies can still sell you expensive repair kits, unless you buy a more sustainable smartphone (that doesn’t glue things in, so you can’t repair them). For everything else, it helps to learn how to make simple repairs, so that you’re not at the mercy of the Argos salesperson who (it’s their job, don’t blame them) asks you if you’d like to spend a few pounds more on a warranty, assuming you won’t be able to fix a kettle:
I was given a kettle, which now leaks. I could mend it. If only I could tighten the base. But one of the screws has a star-shaped slot with a spike in the middle, which is designed to prevent repairs, as no available tool will fit it. So I will throw it away, and help to build an earthly paradise, by buying a new one. George Monbiot
How to Repair Everything is a wonderful green guide to fixing stuff. Just look up what you need to repair and find simple tips to get you out of a jam. The contents is all at the front, so it’s easy to find out how to repair anything including:
- Sticky doors
- Broken handbag straps
- Leaky washing machines
- Broken heels
heat-activated mending sticks
Fixits are innovative heat-activated sticks that are made from nontoxic bio-plastic, and mould to mend anything from a tire puncture to a broken spoke on a wheel. Designed to stop the mountain of waste, they can fix almost anything from broken bag straps to cables and drawers. Just melt them in hot water and remould.
Keep FixIt sticks away from children and pets. Do not use FixIts on electrical cables above 24 volts, nor where temperature will cause FixIts to soften again (exposing live wiring). Do not repair consumer electronics when connected to a live electricity supply.
With no expiry date, these are the ideal solution to our throwaway culture. Don’t bin it, when you can FixIt! The product uses reusable bioplastics to bond (not to glass but yes to fabric). It wraps around small fibres when soft, then hardens when cool to mechanically bond. It forms a ‘really strong grip’.
The same company makes reusable glue dots, also from compostable bio-plastic. These are super-strong to stick to non-porous surfaces like wood, metal, plastic, concrete, tiles and glass. Use them to reseal food packages and fix down rugs or tablecloths. One pack contains 30 glue dots (just peel and push in place). To reuse, just remove, wash with warm soapy water, then leave to dry to use again. They are very strong, so avoid on painted or wallpapered surfaces.
The company also makes reusable tape that are compatible with FixIts sticks. Use it to stick cables under your desk, keep rugs and tablescloths in place or mount objects to walls. It sticks to smooth surfaces, and peels off without a trace. Effective even in small amounts, it’s washable and comes in a bamboo pouch for easy storage.
a quick way to repair burst pipes
Kibosh is a quick way to repair leaky pipes, invented by a fully-qualified plumber. Whether the pipe bursts due to frost, accidental perforation or being old, this invention is ideal for plumbers and other tradespeople to have on hand for a fast fix. The clamp is simple and quick to use, and immediately stops leaks, avoiding water damage and stops water loss. Just fit it around a leaking or burst pipe, and clamp it shut.
Once fitted, the Kibosh can be kept in use until a permanent repair can be arranged. It’s also reusable, with no tools needed. Sold in the most common domestic pipe sizes, they recommend you have one of each in your toolbox!
start your own repair cafe
You could even get together with others and offer a repair cafe (free or for affordable cost). Co-author Elizabeth first became interested in the movement, when she visited a Repair Cafe in a neighbouring city, impressed with the skills and warm welcome that volunteers extended, walking through the door with torn shirts, wobbly chairs and wonky lamps. She then started up her own.
It’s food for thought. While the BBC Series The Repair Shop is nice, why limit it to a few guest appearances for a TV show. We can do this in real life – in every city, town and village. Visit iFixit to find hundreds of mending instructions by enthusiastic volunteer handypeople!
where to find zero waste vegan glue
Glue is likely used by everyone at some point or another. It’s one of those items that likely hangs around the house, whether you use a Pritt Stick to glue paper or industrial glue to bond something in the garage. You’ve likely that glue is made from horses (this used to be the case years ago when most glue was made from animal-collagen). Today horses are not used, but you can still find glues from cattle and pig collagen (and some glues are sold in tins with pig-hair bristles).
Keep all glues (even natural ones) away from children and animals (supervise older childrenKeep flour-water glue (dough) away from pets, as it can expand in the stomach.
You can make glue from plants, and the materials used can include tree sap and natural rubber, or you can even make a simple glue just by mixing flour and wheat with water, to stick paper together. But of course industry use chemicals, which is why addicts even sniff glue for the vapours, which causes brain damage and eventual death. Many liquid glues then go onto to contaminate soil and groundwater, when disposed of. Recently eco protestors were criticised, when they stuck themselves to the road with superglue (contains toxic chemicals).
Coccoina Stick is an almond-scented glue stick from Italy. It’s toxic-free but unfortunately most stores online sell the tin version, which includes a brush with pig bristles (likely killed to make the brush). This is a good stick alternative that only costs £2 or so.
OkoNorm Eco Paper Glue is likely the best you can get for now, made from starch-based plant-based ingredients. It’s water-soluble and washable and good for paper, cardboard and fibrous materials. Odourless and transparent. It can also be made for self-made stickers.
Auro is made from latex milk and natural resins to bond lino, cork, textiles, carpet and ceramic tiles, using an easy toothed spatula application, just apply to the service, smooth over and roll, then rework after 20 to 30 minutes. You can also use it to glue natural carpet packing. Wash tools after use and dispose of according to instructions. Not for floors in wet areas (kitchens, bathrooms).
where to recycle unused glue
The main solution here is to recycle all the toxic glue that’s still around, because if you live a simple life, you likely don’t really use much new glue. TerraCycle runs a program where for around £100 (everyone can pitch in with £1 say in an office or two), people can drop off all their empty and unused craft glues and empty packaging, use the pre-paid UPS shipping label already on the box, and everything is sent off to be made into other items. Some of their programs are free (sponsored by industry). This one isn’t, but you can kind of think of it as a one-off amnesty to rid your area of toxic glue sticks and litter. They have to charge for items not sponsored, because the company has to cover the cost of ‘recycling items that can’t be recycled’.