In collaboration with Zero Waste San Diego, the city held free Fixit Clinics to teach residents repair skills and promote environmental responsibility.
The City of San Diego, in collaboration with the non-profit organization Zero Waste San Diego, hosted a series of free Fixit Clinics aimed at reducing waste and imparting valuable repair skills to residents. The recent event took place at the San Diego Fixit Clinic, part of the city’s overarching Zero Waste Plan, which strives to minimize landfill contributions.
During the clinic, skilled volunteers assisted approximately 70 community members in repairing a variety of broken household items, including lamps, toasters, vintage stereos, and kitchen appliances. Laura Anthony, the founder of Zero Waste San Diego, expressed her enthusiasm regarding the event, noting how participants were not only bringing in common household items but also cherished family heirlooms for repair. “The most common things we get are lamps and toasters, but really, what we are proud of are the heirlooms,” she stated.
Anais Putnam, a representative of the City of San Diego, emphasized the environmental responsibility behind the initiative, saying, “We don’t want to be sending things that could be repaired or could be donated or still used to the landfill.” The city has set a goal to divert 90 percent of all trash from landfills within the next decade, aligning with broader environmental initiatives.
Participants showcased an array of items for repair, reflecting a strong community desire to mend rather than replace beloved possessions. Marie, a participant who brought in a troublesome 1950s lamp, shared her sentiment, stating, “I don’t want a new one. I want this one.” The event fostered not only the extension of the life of household items but also cultivated a sense of community and shared environmental responsibility among attendees.
Volunteer repairers like Bob expressed their commitment to preserving valuable items, noting, “This stuff is so precious and so pretty. It just makes you feel good to bring it back.” The success of each repair was celebrated with the ringing of a bell, which served as a symbol of “another household saved” from unnecessary waste.
Looking ahead, the City of San Diego and Zero Waste San Diego are planning additional Fixit Clinics at various locations throughout the city. Upcoming events include sessions on March 15 at the Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library, May 17 at the Pacific Highlands Ranch Library, and June 21 at the Golden Hill Recreation Center. These initiatives aim to further support the city’s Zero Waste Plan and Climate Action Plan, helping residents save money while acquiring essential troubleshooting skills.
Source: Noah Wire Services
