Why Not Fix It?

Although some people seem to have an uncanny ability to fix things just by touching them (or even just by looking at them), most of us aren't so lucky.

Still, there are many benefits to fixing things rather than tossing them out and buying new replacements, from money savings to our own pride and knowledge, not to mention the environment.

It shouldn't surprise you that fixing things rather than buying new can save you a lot of money. In many cases simply sewing on a missing button, touching up a nicked paint job or gluing on a broken corner can get your possessions back up to snuff with only minimal effort and very low expenditure. The trouble is, these days many of us fail to go beyond the easiest small repairs, instead opting to buy new at the smallest sign of trouble.

As E Magazine asked a few years ago, "Whatever Became of Fixing Things?" Travel to the developing world, and you'll see many examples of patched-up products providing long service, from makeshift plumbing to reworked clothing. Our grandparents and great-grandparents were probably quite adept at fixing things up, since stores and funds were often limited. Today, manufactured goods, a consumer culture and relatively high labor costs have conspired to turn us into a bunch of wasters.

Not only are we filling up landfills with stuff that could readily be reused, it takes a great deal of natural resources to make new stuff, in terms of water, minerals, metals, timber, petroleum products and more. Buying new means more transportation and storage costs, and mountains of packaging - important because experts estimate that 44% of U.S. global warming emissions are due to products and packaging.

There are other benefits to fixing things, including learning more about how things work, gaining a sense of accomplishment, spending bonding time with children and family members, and preserving heirloom and unique items. You can also buy better quality things, since you'll have more confidence to know that you can repair them and get more value from them.

As much as we have forgotten how to fix things, there is also a resurgence bubbling of those who are strengthening their DIY muscles. Freecycling is a growing marketplace for exchanging used items, some of which need repairs. There's a new green thrifty movement afoot, and even a humor site for wacky repairs.

When do you repair? Some people like the rule of thumb that says you should definitely fix something if the repair costs are less than 50% of the original purchase price. Even if the costs are a bit more there may be something to reducing waste and keeping with what you've already got.

We found some chairs in a friend's garage and decided to give it a go ourselves. They needed to have new seat bases made, including upholstery (we used hemp) and a sand and re-coat of the timber. A few screws to keep everything sturdy, and the result is fantastic!

Earth Hour

Earth Hour to show landmark action on climate change

At 8.30pm on Saturday, March 27 nearly 100 iconic landmarks in 1,000 cities and towns around the world will switch off their lights for Earth Hour 2010, joining hundreds of millions of people showing their commitment to the environment.
Earth Hour will reach new heights this year, with the world's three tallest buildings - the new Burj Khalifa in Dubai, CN Tower in Toronto and Taipei 101 in Taiwan - going dark for the global event.
Melbourne's Luna Park, Rialto Tower, Arts Centre and Crown Casino; Brisbane's Story Bridge; Adelaide's Town Hall and Rundle Mall Lantern; The National Library and Australian War Memorial in Canberra and the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Tower, Harbour Bridge and Luna Park will join this growing list.
World-famous sites across the US, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Empire State Building, Mount Rushmore and even the lights of Las Vegas, will switch off in a decisive display of climate action from one of the most significant nations on the climate landscape.
Some of the world's great metropolises will 'flick the switch' on their signature landmarks, marking their dedication to sustainable development and joining their citizens in adopting low-carbon practices.
Hiroshima will become the first Japanese city to show its commitment to global climate action when the lights go out on its iconic Peace Memorial. In London, lights will dim on the world-famous London Eye as the Coca-Cola sign in Piccadilly Circus switches off.
The actions shown by cities of the world and their inhabitants are crucial to leading a low-carbon resolution to climate change, says Earth Hour Co-Founder and Executive Director, Andy Ridley.
"The C40 suggests that cities are responsible for up to 75% of the world's carbon emissions, so their role in addressing what is unequivocally the greatest threat to the planet today is absolutely vital," Andy said.*
"By turning the lights off for Earth Hour, cities are reflecting the aspirations of their citizens as a community that has resolved to take action on global warming," he said.
As Earth Hour has grown from a one-city initiative in 2007 to a global phenomenon in 2009, renowned icons, including the Great Pyramids, Eiffel Tower, the Coliseum, Christ the Redeemer statue, Buckingham Palace, Beijing's Olympic Stadium and many more world-famous landmarks have joined the global community in showing leadership on a resolution to climate change.
The recently released Earth Hour 2010 video, viewed at www.earthhour.org.au, provides a powerful and inspiring montage of the world's most recognised landmarks contributing to the greatest display of civil action the world has ever witnessed.

City Getaway

SUSTAINABLE CITY GETAWAY
Michael Mobbs has taken his commitment to sustainable living to the highest level.After building a fully sustainable house in Chippendale, Sydney complete with an organic garden, he’s opening it to the public to stay on Saturday nights. Arrive anytime after 2pm on any weekend. Includes breakfast from the garden and local farms. Starts from $280 per couple.
Information available from: www. sustainablehouse.com.au

Meet the Designer

Meet the DESIGNER: David Tunbridge

David has a motto, ‘less haste, less waste’. And this innovative furniture and lighting designer instinctive and original creations have given him international acclaim.

David’s working philosophy is strongly tied to green/eco principles . He also has a passion for working with wood. His studio workshop is in Hawkes Bay New Zealand where his lighting and furniture are produced and then distributed around the world.

His designs have a remarkable connection to the natural world which he translates into beautiful, sublime shapes. His work is inspiring and nourishing to the soul.

David has a motto: less haste, less waste.

His products available through www.dedece.com

For Baby

OTHER ECO-FRIENDLY products to help you care for your baby

Life Organic, Newtown www. lifeorganic.com.au(02) 9565 1156
BIO BAMBINI organic baby food, puree, cereals.
GLUTEN FREE teething rusks are specifically developed to soothe tender gums while baby is teething.
HOLLE organic infant formulae with balanced protein that are instantly prepared with water for babies zero to 12 months.
BAMBO certified organic, bamboo nappies. For babies 3kgs to 22kg.
WOTNOT 100% biodegradable baby wipes, refills, liners and nappy bags are also in the range.
Skin and Bath Care Range
GAIA baby range are soap and sulphate free products that gently cleanse, nurtures and cares for your babies skin. Also free from mineral oils, sorbolene and petro chemicals.
All products are enriched with moisturising oils to keep babies clean and soft without drying or itchiness.

STYLE PLANTATION - Stunning bamboo bath and hand towels - super soft, super absorbant - allergy free. For more information, see www.styleplantation.com or visit a showroom.