In the US, approximately 146 million tons of municipal solid waste are sent to landfills annually, which is incomprehensible. Globally, more than 2 billion tons of municipal solid waste are generated yearly. To make matters worse, waste generation is expected to increase by 70% or more by 2050, potentially reaching over 3.78 billion metric tons annually. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) states that these numbers are not sustainable.
So what’s the answer? While there is not one singular answer, transitioning to a circular economy should be one of our main priorities. Of course this is not going to happen overnight, but there are certain steps that we can make that will contribute towards that goal, starting with supporting organizations such as the Tool Library.
In 2024 and 2025 the Tool Library held 36 “Dare to Repair” cafés with 1,361 total participants, and successfully repaired 1,002 items, diverting 9,766 pounds of potential waste and saving $120,042 in replacement costs.
Each year, the Tool Library hosts a series of “Dare to Repair” cafés, where people bring their broken items to get fixed. These community fix-it events take place twice a month at libraries and community centers throughout Western New York. At the free events, people get a chance to work alongside a team of volunteer fixers to try to repair their broken items.
From a broken zipper, to a bike in need of a tuneup, to a broken lamp or appliance, there are plenty of items that can be fixed instead of trashed. Along with reducing waste, people can save money, while learning handy skills at the same time.
The upcoming Dare to Repair schedule is as follows:
- Saturday, February 21st, 11:00AM-2:00PM @ Movement Leadership Institute (271 Grant Street, Buffalo, NY), 14213 – a People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH) location
- Saturday, March 7th, 11:00AM-2:00PM @ Lancaster Municipal Building (5423 Broadway, Lancaster, NY 14086
- Thursday, March 19th, 4:30PM-7:30PM @ West Side Bazaar (1432 Niagara St, Buffalo, NY 14213)
- Saturday, April 11th, 11:00AM-2:00PM @ UB South Allen Hall (3485 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14214)
- Monday, April 20th, 5:00PM-7:00PM @ Northland Training Workforce Center (683 Northland Ave, Buffalo, NY 14211)
To confirm your attendance at one of the upcoming Dare to Repair Cafés, click here.