To learn how to mend & repair things, is a real act of peaceful rebellion. Rather than marching down the street against companies that make things disposable, how about learning how to mend things you already have, instead? We all have our suspicions about items that break down, just after the warranty ends (computers etc). But rather than feed your conspiracy theory, just read one or more of these books.
Actually, most people can’t mend things. So if you get good, you could even use these books to springboard you to a new little home-based business. Set up a workshop and you can become like those guys off The Repair Shop. There’s a reason why it’s one of the most popular TV programs. For small jobs, Coccoina is a nontoxic glue (avoid tin version, it contains boar bristles). All glue is toxic to pets.
- How to Repair Everything (the green guide to fixing stuff) is a book bursting with tips on how to say no to our disposable society. This handy guide includes quick fixes to more complicated jobs. From a sweater that’s shrunk in the wash to a broken umbrella spoke, if it’s safe to fix yourself, this book has the answer.
- Repair Revolution is a book to transform throwaway culture. Let’s move on from a society that throws away millions of clothes, furniture, computers and appliances, because we don’t know how to fix things. This book chronicles the rise of volunteer repair cafes.
- Girls Garage contains 175 illustrated tool guides, 11 how-to projects, 21 essential skills and 14 inspiring stories. Emily can teach you how to buy screws, and fix a running toilet.
- Fixation is a book about our massive global system of consumption. We need big changes – from public policy to global economic systems. The author founded a New York pop-up repair shop and became the accidental leader of a movement to demand stuff that does not break – or can be repaired. Her mantra is: Have good stuff, not too much, mostly reclaimed, care for it and pass it on.
- Life Skills has 150 handy skills to do things yourself. Learn how to sew on a button, remove stains and paint a room. Not all mending, includes other skills like how to treat a blister, make a bed, navigate with a compassion, cook pasta, build a campfire, ask for a pay rise and speak in public.