Actually, let me rephrase. That’s not a normal route unless you’re an American. We’re pretty bad about tossing stuff thoughtlessly. We’ve been able to do so without consequence (or so we thought) for many years. And with the superabundance of disposable products, it seemed like a habit that made sense.
From any perspective, the trash-it perspective really doesn’t make any sense. Raw material is the most valuable resource out there, whether that’s the oil that we’re drilling to find or the diamonds that we’re mining to find or the ideas that we’re brainstorming to find. Wasting the products of found and manufactured raw material is wasting the raw material. Many resources do renew themselves, but over a period of time. A long period of time. If we get smarter about reusing stuff we normally throw away and fixing stuff when it is broken, instead of tossing and buying new, we’ll help ourselves on the personal financial level and help our natural resources have the time to renew themselves.
If you’re going to be a dedicated DIYer, it’s most practical to lay out a bit of an investment to be able to actually fix it when it breaks. Stick to the basics and you won’t have to sacrifice a paycheck, just a small part of one. That investment will make its return to you many times over when you can fix your bike, car, lamp, table, computer… instead of buying a new one.
- Invest in some high-quality, basic tools. You don’t have to get fancy, but get brands that the professionals use. I’m talking about Matco and Snap-On, not Craftsman and Wal-Mart. It will cost you more, but it’s a better idea. First, because they will last longer. Second, because most of the better brands offer a lifetime guarantee on their tools. If it breaks, you get a replacement at no charge. Third, since it will last longer, you won’t have to buy a new hammer every two years because the handle breaks on your cheapie. Your hammer will last till kingdom come, which means less packaging, less product, less waste. And that’s the idea, after all…
- Invest in a few high-quality, specific-purpose tools. This isn’t for everyone; but if you are going to be repeatedly doing work that requires specialty tools, such as computer hardware mods or more complex mechanical repairs, it’s a good idea to invest in a few (not a whole drawerful) of the tools you know you will use again and again. Get the high-quality version, for the reasons mentioned above.
- Find good sources for the consumable supplies you will need. Don’t go out and stock up on eco-friendly paint or lay in a crate full of duct tape just in case. Just take a few minutes to do a bit of research on the options you do have. Are there large home supply stores in your area that offer lots of options? Are there specialty shops that will be happy to order in particular products for you? The internet offers more options, but look local first.
- Line up service options and bartering options. This is, as with the previous suggestions, more preliminary research than anything, but twenty minutes now can save lots of headache later. Check into local service centers, workshops, and professionals. Network. Many times a fix is simple and someone who knows can instruct you quickly and save everybody time and money. Remember, though, lots of people make their living by fixing other people’s broken stuff. Don’t bug people at work or try to take advantage. Just be a good resource yourself and you’ll find help when you need it.
- Finally, and most important, keep up a reusable mindset.
- Annie | My Bio & Articles
Remember that the first option is not to toss something. Get into the habit of buying high-quality when you do buy new, so that the item in question is well-made enough to withstand heavy use and increase in value with each ‘mod’ you give it.
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Great tips here. We try to fix and reuse what we can. Agreed on purchasing quality items that will last!
I rather pay an extra amount on items that are more durable and would last longer than buying cheap ones that breaks on firt use and have to buy again.
So I agree. When I buy plants I reuse the container to grow my vegetables before planting them on the ground in the spring. Reuse, recycle.
good tips here. I agree with cathy….there is no use buying items that are cheap but not durable so i too prefer things that can be used for a longer time even if they come at a price.