Member-only story
Why Europe’s New Efforts to Tackle Unfixable Gadgets Are So Important
Sustainability should start with repairability
Nathan Proctor is director of the Right to Repair Campaign for U.S. PIRG, an advocacy organization.
There’s been an increasing amount of attention paid to making technology more sustainable, but the first step must be repairability. Being able to properly service our gadgets and extend their lifespans reduces waste, preserves natural resources, and saves consumers money. But we’ve seen a steady trend in recent years of major tech manufacturers refusing to sell spare parts, hoarding relevant documentation, and using software locks to prevent third-party repairs.
In order to defend repair for the future, a coalition of policy advocates like myself — tinkerers, fixers, DIYers, technicians, STEM educators, and consumers — have pushed “Right to Repair” reforms, which require companies to give people what they need to fix their stuff.
Now a new push from advocates in the European Union may transform the face of gadget repair around the world. Manufacturers who have worked to oppose Right to Repair, like Microsoft and Apple, along with trade associations like the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), should be nervous.
