Has your phone ever broken down? And rather than repairing it, you had to replace the whole phone. Well, it is either because repairing the phone is costlier than buying a new one or there are no stores that are authorized in repairing your mobile phone. However, now customers are questioning this annoying practice with the “right to repair” movement.
What is the “Right to Repair” movement?
Large corporations are forcing consumers to buy expensive digital devices, rather than repair existing products. With the “Right to Repair” movement, we can take back control of our own property. We can take control by repairing it and buying replacement parts for it. It would save us up to $1 billion a year on household repairs and enable small businesses to offer more competitive prices for everything from clothes hangers to computer equipment.
As a society, we need this now—more than ever. We must demand that policymakers address this problem now before we become another tech-illiterate nation of disposable citizens who aren’t allowed access to even their own devices.
When I first read about the “Right to Repair” movement, I thought it seemed unusual. How will repairing things help people? How can companies be stopped from doing whatever they want with their products? Why should owners of products have any say in how they are repaired?
Repairing vs. Repurchasing
But what struck me as I read more and talked with people about the issue was how little people understand about how our devices work and why we need access to them. To that end, let’s dive into a few important facts you should know right now.
1) Repairing electronics is surprisingly simple and easy.
Repairing devices is easier than we think. They are simple when the components are available to replace the broken parts. In many Asian countries, repairing electronics is the general norm. And you can also do it by simply finding someone who has a good knowledge of electronics. To defy the gatekeeping norms of companies, support repairing rather than repurchasing.
2) Repairing electronics is a budget-friendly option.
Repairing electronics is also far cheaper than buying a whole new gadget. But again, the companies producing the devices are acting as gatekeepers of the spare components and parts. They don’t want you to get your hands on something cheaper. Generally replacing parts of your old phone should cost you only $50.
3) Repurchasing is wasteful.
Imagine buying a whole new house when you break a window. Or buying a new car when you puncture the tire. So, why do you need to buy a new phone when the screen shatters? It is simply wasteful. We are made to waste a product that can be easily fixed. The products then end up in landfills or the ocean. So it is neither good for our wallet nor the environment.
Also read: How to Get Free Products from Companies?
