#reuserepairrestore — Public Fediverse posts

#USPIRG - #ElectronicWaste Graveyard

Expiring software or server support is responsible for up to 1.7 billion pounds of #EWaste over past decade.

by Nathan Proctor, Lucas Gutterman
April 10, 2025, Updated Jul 14, 2026

"Increasingly, we’re pushed to trash tech that should still work, such as #Chromebooks, phones, and smart home devices, just because the software has expired or lost support. This database lists more than 100 tech products that have stopped working after manufacturers dropped support. It calculates the total weight of all these dead devices which have joined the 68 million tons of electronic waste disposed of each year.

"When software expires, or web cloud services end, consumers and schools are pushed to replace devices that should still work. For example, our 'Chromebook Churn' report found that tens of thousands of laptops were being replaced by schools because the software had expired. Since the graveyard was released in 2025, we have tracked a wave of new product shutdowns, some affecting a handful of niche gadgets, and one, Microsoft’s end of support for Windows 10, affecting 400 million computers at once.

"We now estimate that up to 1.7 billion pounds of electronic waste has been created by expired software and canceled cloud services since 2014. The largest contributor by far was the expiration of #Windows10 resulting in up to 1.6 billion pounds of electronic waste from PCs that can’t upgrade to #Windows11.

"13 #AmazonKindle models have also joined the graveyard this year. On May 20, 2026, Amazon cut off store access for 13 older Kindle models released between 2007 and 2012 — devices that, in many cases, are still being used daily by their original owners more than a decade later. The e-readers still turn on, still display books already downloaded, and still hold a charge. What they can no longer do is buy or download anything new, effectively ending their useful life as e-readers for many owners. Amazon’s shutdown means these e-readers can’t even borrow books from users’ local public #libraries.

"For the planet, this lack of support results in a death by a thousand server support cuts. This e-waste adds up. At the very least we need lifetime transparency for tech—we should know how long manufacturers guarantee the tech we buy will work before we buy it."

Read more:
https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/electronic-waste-graveyard/

#SolarPunkSunday #RightToRepair #RightToRepairLaws #PlannedObsolescence #FixIt #ReuseRepairRestore

New push for #RightToRepair in #Maine aims to cut costs, reduce #ElectronicWaste

Vivien Leigh, August 13, 2026

"Advocates, lawmakers, and business owners have started a renewed push to help #Mainers fix #phones, #laptops, and other small #electronics more easily.

"Supporters set up a mock electronic-waste graveyard on Thursday to underscore the need for 'Right to Repair' reforms.

"Sheldon Arford owns Maine Computer Services, an independent repair shop. He showed nearly six computers that still work but are on their way to the recycling bin.

" 'They can't take the current version of Windows, and #Windows10 no longer gets security updates,' Arford explained. [Um, Sheldon, have you heard of #Linux ?]

"The business owner joined advocates and lawmakers for a mock memorial service focused on electronics that stopped working after their software expired, such as Windows 10 computers, #vacuums, #VideoGames, and over a dozen #Kindle models."

Read more:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/push-repair-maine-aims-cut-195219208.html

#SolarPunkSunday #PlannedObsolescence #RightToRepairLaws #MainePol #FixIt #EWaste #ReuseRepairRestore

#Mainers throw sobbing eulogy for #DeadTech in #RightToRepair battle

Fri, August 14, 2026

#AugustaME (WGME) -- "Local #activists held a literal funeral outside the Maine State Capitol on Thursday, mourning over mock gravestones dedicated to #smartphones, blenders and #SmartRefrigerators.

"They claim manufacturers are discarding technology early and retiring models that still work so customers will buy new ones.

"The activists are fighting for the legal 'right to repair' their gadgets instead of being forced into expensive, corporate-mandated upgrades when devices stop working.

" 'I'd like to offer these remembrances for many #AmazonKindles. Their screens lit up our work and will always be remembered. On May 20, Amazon cut off 13 models of Kindles — every model made before 2012,' Environment Maine Field Director Lily McGovern said. 'I have one of those very models. The company said they had to do this because the technology has come a long way. Meanwhile, I thought reading text on a screen was pretty much the same it had been. Silly me.'

"Maine already has a right-to-repair law for cars, but a bill addressing smartphones fell short by just two votes last spring."

Source:
https://wgme.com/news/local/mainers-throw-sobbing-eulogy-for-dead-tech-in-right-to-repair-battle-electronics-funeral-activists

#SolarPunkSunday #PlannedObsolescence #RightToRepairLaws #MainePol #FixIt #ReuseRepairRestore

#OssipeeNH - Provisions #FoodPantry & #ThriftStore

1895 White Mtn Hwy (Rt 16)
West Ossipee NH 03890

FOOD PANTRY HOURS
MONDAY from 1pm-5pm
FRIDAY from 9:30am-3pm
(closed all other days)

"Our Mission

Providing affordable, quality goods to our community, while supporting our mission of alleviating hunger and food insecurity by offering nutritious food to those in need.

Donate to the Pantry

Make a monetary donation to Provisions Food Pantry and help us purchase food and supplies for those in need. Every dollar counts!

If you'd prefer to donate goods to the pantry, shelf-stable canned (vegetables, meats, fruits) and dried goods (pasta, rice) often come to mind. Please check expiration dates before donating. Other needed and appreciated items:

- vegetable oil
- herbs, spices and seasonings
- jellies and jams
- syrup
- condiments (ketchup, mayo, mustard, relish, bbq sauce, etc.)
- baking mixes or ingredients
- honey
- salad dressings
- canned fish and meats
- coffee, tea, hot chocolate
- laundry and dish detergent
- personal hygiene products (razors, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, feminine products, shaving cream, deodorant)
- cleaning supplies


Donate to the Thrift Store

Don't toss those treasures! Donate your clean, gently used items in good repair to Provisions. Your donations help us provide affordable clothing, furniture and household goods to the community. Proceeds from the store directly support the food pantry. Donating your used items is also a fantastic way to reduce waste and help the planet.

ALL donations must be approved by the store manager Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am-4pm.

We cannot accept:

- Mattresses or box springs
- Sofa Beds
- Torn, faded, or stained linens or clothing
- Electronics - TVs, computers, printers
Items with damage or missing parts
- Large appliances
- Large furniture without prior approval of staff
- Car Seats "

FMI:
https://provisionsfoodandthrift.org/

#SolarPunkSunday #NewHampshire #SharingEconomy #MutualAid #CommunitySupport #ReuseRepairRestore #FoodSecurity #BuildingCommunity

#IpswichMA - Workshop: #RainBarrel Clinic

Saturday, August 22, 2026

9:00 AM—12:00 PM
Ipswich Town Hall
25 Green Street

"Save those plastic trash barrels, and convert them to a rain barrel! Volunteers will be on hand to help you modify your barrel, and also give tips for installation and use.

Please bring your own barrel with lid.

Limited to 100 participants. Registration required."

To register:
https://ipswichlibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/rain-barrel-clinic-2/

#SolarPunkSunday #ReuseRepairRestore #Reuse #DIYRainbarrels #IpswichPublicLibrary

RE: https://beige.party/@PhoenixSerenity/117033231333962367

Tagging for #SolarPunkSunday !

#ReuseRepairRestore #DIY #Vermicomposting

Easily #Replaceable #USBCPort Spawned By EU Laws

by: Lewin Day
February 26, 2026
via @hackaday

"The USB-C port has become a defacto connectivity standard for modern devices, largely supplanting the ugly mess of barrel jacks and micro USB connectors that once cursed us. While their reliability is good, they don’t last forever, and can be a pain to replace in most devices if they do fail. However, a new part from JAE Electronics could change that."

https://hackaday.com/2026/02/26/easily-replaceable-usb-c-port-spawned-by-eu-laws/

#SolarPunkSunday #RightToRepair #USBC #ComputerRepair #ReuseRepairRestore

I believe credit for this link goes to @BrambleBearSnoring (correct me if I'm wrong).

From Dust to Desktop: How to Revive Your Old #Laptop with #Linux

April 4, 2025 by Martin

Excerpt: "Here’s why Linux is the perfect solution for your old laptop:

- It’s Incredibly Efficient: Lightweight Linux distributions use a fraction of the RAM and CPU power that Windows 10 or 11 demand. This leaves more resources for your applications, making everything feel faster.
- It’s Secure: The underlying architecture of Linux makes it far less susceptible to viruses and malware than Windows. Plus, with ongoing community support, even old systems receive regular security updates.
- It’s Free: The operating system and thousands of high-quality applications (web browsers, office suites, media players) are completely free to download and use.
- It’s Customizable: You can make your Linux desktop look and feel exactly how you want it to. From a macOS-style dock to a classic Windows 2000-era taskbar, the choice is yours."

Learn more:
https://www.linuxnest.com/reviving-old-laptops-with-lightweight-linux-distributions-performance-guide/

#SolarPunkSunday #LinuxInstall #ReuseRepairRestore #OldComputers #Computers #EndOfWindows10

How to: Sew on a BUTTON by Hand | Easy Tutorial for Beginners | Sewing a 4-Hole & 2-Hole Button

Rokolee DIY
Nov 14, 2019

"This simple lesson demonstrates how to sew a button back onto your clothes. It's quick to do, even for beginners, and is a valuable life skill!

Thanks for watching :) "

Watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gslzx1CreAY

#SolarPunkSunday #Handsewing #ButtonRepair #Mending #Sewing #DIY #SlowFashion #HandStitching
#ReuseRepairRestore #GrandmaCore

10 types of #HandSewing Stitches (with pictures & video)

By Sarina Tariq

Updated on July 14, 2024

"There are a few hand stitches which you should definitely know to complete your knowledge of sewing."

Learn more:
https://sewguide.com/easy-hand-stitches/

#SolarPunkSunday #Handsewing #Mending #Sewing #DIY #SlowFashion #BackStitch #SaddleStitch #RunningStitch #BastingStitch #WhipStitch #OvercastStitch #CatchStitch #BlanketStitch #ButtonholeStitch #VerticalHemStitch #CouchStitch #HandStitching
#ReuseRepairRestore #GrandmaCore

Learn How to Sew by Hand: Six Basic #HandStitches

Homedit, Jul 27, 2018

"This tutorial provides the photographic step-by-step process to implement a variety of the six most common basic hand stitches.The six stitches we’ll be learning today are: running baste stitch and running stitch, catch stitch, blanket stitch, whip stitch, slip/ladder stitch, and back stitch.

You’ll not only learn how to sew the stitches, but you’ll also learn when and where to use them."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvxqtc8thRg

More info at https://www.homedit.com/how-to-sew/

#SolarPunkSunday #Handsewing #Mending #Sewing #DIY #SlowFashion #InstructionalVideo #RunningBasteStitch #RunningStitch #CatchStitch #BlanketStitch #WhipStitch #SlipStitch #LadderStitch #BackStitch #ReuseRepairRestore #GrandmaCore

#RestartParties & other community repair events

"Communities around the world run repair events where you can get help to fix your broken belongings – from tablets to toasters, from laptops to crop tops. Find an event near you below!

We call our London events Restart Parties because they have a fun, ad-hoc spirit where all are welcome to meet, mingle, and share in the fun of repair. Other groups in the network use different names but we all host similar kinds of events.

More than 600 groups in over 20 countries have joined in, listing events here. We also work with Repair Together who list events in Belgium and Repair Café Hauts-de-France. If there isn’t an upcoming event listed near you, get in touch with a group nearby.

Don’t see a group near you? Consider starting one."

Read more [includes search for upcoming events]:
https://therestartproject.org/parties/

#SolarPunkSunday #RepairCafes #RightToRepair #RepairReuse #ReuseRepairRestore #FixItCafes #FixIt #BuildingCommunity

Wait, what?!! #RepairCafes on the #MainstreamMedia?!! Well, I'll be darned!

These volunteers are saving electronics from the trash, one fix at a time

September 13, 2025

"An estimated 62 million tonnes of electronics were discarded globally in 2022, and that figure is expected to reach 82 million tonnes by 2030. Often items destined for the trash can be repaired with the right knowledge and tools -- and around the world, community groups are championing this ethos."

Read more:
https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/13/world/video/repair-cafes-electronics-cfc-ldn-digvid

#SolarPunkSunday #RepairCafes #RepairReuse #RightToRepair #FixIt #ReuseRepairRestore

So, back when I was a teenager, I damaged the top of this antique table with nail polish remover. My grandmother was understandably upset, and said the table was mine, as it was ruined in her opinion. Years later, after she had passed away, I refinished the table's top to look like marble. It took a while to do, but it's still one of my best refinishing jobs. If she were still around, I think she would have been impressed (and would have wanted the table back).

Also, this was my witchy altar for many, many, years...! 🧙🏼‍♀️

#ReuseRepairRestore #ReuseRepair #SolarPunkSunday

Hey, @ai6yr -- I found a couple of "before" photos!

#FurnitureRepair #ReuseRepairRestore #SolarPunkSunday

So, I finally finished repairing and refinishing my grandmother's bookcase. The shelves were originally attached with pegs, but after making structural repairs, I could only put pegs into one side of the bookshelves. It seems my grandfather had that problem as well, since I saw that he put a nail into one of the pegged spots. With the pegs, the bookshelf was foldable. I noticed that a lot of furniture my grandparents owned was on wheels (probably because they moved around a lot)? Anyhow, I'm quite pleased with the results, and now my grandmother's bookcase is in my upstairs hallway, and is filled with cryptozoology books, history books, and tomes about spooky lore and other subjects related to my fiction writing.
cc: @ShadowPlay

#SolarPunkSunday #ReuseRepair #ReuseRepairRestore

@ai6yr I've loved seeing your progress... Great job!

Tagging for #SolarPunkSunday !

#BikeTooter #Repair #ReuseRepairRestore