How about repairing instead of buying a new item?

Repairing an item that we already have at home or at work is a practice that offers both ecological and economic benefits. Choosing to repair rather than buy a new item can significantly reduce environmental impact and save money. Let’s explore how Sweden exemplifies this practice and how Brazil is beginning to embrace the “repair culture” as an alternative to unbridled consumption.

The Swedish Example: Pioneering Sustainability

Sweden is widely recognized for its high quality of life and efficient management of municipal solid waste. With an average of 461 kilograms of waste per person per year, Sweden excels in recycling, with 99% of this volume being recycled. Sweden’s success can be attributed to strict policies and a strong commitment to environmental awareness.

The Swedish government recently launched an initiative to promote a “repair culture.” The policy aims to further reduce the environmental impact of consumption by offering tax incentives for repair services. Key points of the proposal include:

• Halving of tax rates for repairs of clothing, shoes and bicycles.
• Income tax refund for repairs to household appliances such as stoves, refrigerators and washing machines.

This approach not only stimulates the local economy, but also encourages people to invest in higher quality products that have a longer shelf life.

Economy and Conscious Consumption

Critics argue that reducing consumption could slow down the economy, but supporters of the Swedish proposal believe that the real goal is to encourage the purchase of durable goods. In addition, repair services, which are often carried out locally, create jobs and stimulate the local economy. The introduction of these measures, which began to be implemented in the first half of 2017, aims to balance consumption with sustainability.

International Comparison: Sweden vs. Brazil

While Sweden sends only 1% of its waste to landfills, Brazil faces a different scenario. The country recycles only 3% of its urban waste, despite the fact that 30% of the waste generated has the potential for recycling, according to the Brazilian Association of Public Cleaning and Special Waste (ABRELPE). The lack of efficient programs and adequate structure, combined with the lack of information on separation and correct disposal, contributes to the low recycling rate in Brazil.

The Growth of Repair Culture in Brazil

With the economic crisis worsening in 2015, many Brazilians began to adopt the “repair culture” as an alternative to consumption. With tighter budgets, the demand for technical assistance workshops grew, while sales of white goods fell. In 2016, sales of these product categories reached the worst average in recent years, while technical assistance experienced a significant increase of almost 30% in its turnover.

The growing popularity of 3D printers could contribute to the trend of extending the lifespan of devices, allowing for more affordable and customized repairs.

The Future of Recycling and Repair

Adopting the practice of repairing instead of buying new is an effective way to reduce environmental impact and save money. The Swedish experience offers a valuable model for Brazil, demonstrating that public policies and incentives can encourage a culture of repair and responsible consumption. As more Brazilians become aware of the benefits of repairing and the importance of recycling, the trend towards a more sustainable future becomes increasingly viable.

To deepen your knowledge about reduction, reuse and recycling, continue reading our articles and discover how you can make a difference in your daily life.

Check out other interesting facts about recycling clicking here.
Learn how to make art by recycling, Click here.