Islanders Revive Old Items at Charlottetown’s Fix-It Fair

Island residents gathered at the annual Fix-It Fair in Charlottetown, where volunteers helped repair a variety of everyday items. Participants brought in everything from socks with loose seams to malfunctioning fans, aiming to fix rather than replace their possessions. This initiative not only fosters a sense of community but also promotes environmentally friendly practices.

The event’s organizers emphasized a straightforward objective: to reduce waste by encouraging Islanders to repair items instead of discarding them. “I just feel sad to throw it away if it’s fixable,” said Lingya Ma, who attended the fair with a broken blender. Although a mechanic informed her that repairs would cost more than a new unit, Ma opted for a more sustainable choice.

Others shared similar motivations. Vivian Zhou arrived with a small appliance for repair, highlighting both financial savings and resource conservation. “On one hand, I can save money. On the other, I can save that resource,” she noted. The fair serves as a crucial opportunity to address common repairable issues, as many items are at risk of being sent to landfills.

The growing concern over electronic waste prompted attendees like Kapil Upadhyaya to seek solutions at the fair. He brought a fan and a pair of jeans, expressing the urgency of tackling the increasing amounts of waste generated. “We’ve been having a lot of electronic waste and piles of it going for the garbage. So this was a great opportunity,” Upadhyaya explained.

Repair cafes like this one are part of a national movement advocating for the right to repair. Supporters argue that some manufacturers intentionally design products that are difficult to fix or restrict access to essential parts and tools. For instance, certain items are challenging to open, require proprietary codes, or incorporate components that do not endure over time.

Daniel Cousins, the provincial co-ordinator for Repair Cafe P.E.I., highlighted the need for change in the industry. He noted, “There are expiration dates built into almost everything. Even technology, which can run longer than its expectation, has software issues that will shut it down or prohibit its effectiveness.” He pointed to companies like Nintendo as examples of brands that facilitate repairs. If Joy-Con controllers malfunction, affordable repair kits with necessary components and tools are available.

Cousins advocates for broader adoption of such practices, stressing the importance of resource conservation. “We live on a planet with finite resources,” he remarked. “Our grandparents used to say, back in my day, things were built to last. Well… now they have lifetimes. But that doesn’t mean we can’t try and extend those lives.”

At the fair, volunteer fixers provided hands-on assistance and practical demonstrations, sharing tips on the right glue or polish to restore items. Mark Nicoll, a social worker involved in the event, commented, “I worked with a lot of people over the years that didn’t have a lot of money. Something like this is great because it gives people an opportunity to see it done. And then maybe next time they might try it.”

The enthusiasm and commitment displayed at the Fix-It Fair reflect a growing awareness of sustainability and resource management among Islanders. Organizers expressed hopes for more sessions in the future, encouraging skill sharing and increased longevity for everyday items. The initiative serves as a reminder that small, collective actions can contribute significantly to environmental conservation efforts.