On Saturday, October 18, a pop-up Repair Café was held at the provincial government building, organized by the Province of North Holland.
11 volunteer repairers enthusiastically helped visitors with their broken items. The result: 35 successful repairs.
From Vacuum Cleaner to Turntable
About 65 visitors came by, bringing a wide variety of products: from hair clippers to vacuum cleaners, from turntables to cameras. One of the most special items? A standing floor lamp over 100 years old.
Repairing and Learning Together
The atmosphere was open, enthusiastic, and welcoming: exactly how a Repair Café is meant to be. Visitors were not only helped but also received explanations on how to perform small repairs themselves. This initiative provides not only immediate solutions but also raises awareness.
Not everything could be saved; some devices, like a slow cooker or camera, unfortunately could not be repaired. Still, most visitors left the Repair Café with a working device, useful tips, and a smile.
Sustainable and Circular
With this initiative, the province contributes to a circular economy, where items are not immediately discarded but given a second life. Repairing instead of replacing is a small effort but makes a big difference for the environment and the wallet.
Looking Forward to the Next Edition
The Province of North Holland looks back with satisfaction on this Repair Café and is exploring possibilities for a follow-up. The need for repair, knowledge sharing, and a more sustainable alternative to throwing away was clearly evident on this day.
