{"id":15026,"date":"2024-10-19T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-10-19T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/?p=15026"},"modified":"2024-10-10T15:01:22","modified_gmt":"2024-10-10T14:01:22","slug":"right-to-repair-a-path-towards-circular-economics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/news\/2024\/10\/right-to-repair-a-path-towards-circular-economics\/","title":{"rendered":"Right to Repair: A Path Towards Circular Economics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-light curved-bottom\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-0 has-background-dim\"><\/span><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/sahand-babali-gavODTHG36Y-unsplash-scaled.jpg\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-object-position=\"57% 49%\" style=\"object-position:57% 49%;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/sahand-babali-gavODTHG36Y-unsplash-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/sahand-babali-gavODTHG36Y-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/sahand-babali-gavODTHG36Y-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/sahand-babali-gavODTHG36Y-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/sahand-babali-gavODTHG36Y-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/sahand-babali-gavODTHG36Y-unsplash-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\"><h1 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-post-title\">Right to Repair: A Path Towards Circular Economics<\/h1><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2024-10-19T08:00:00+01:00\">19 October 2024<\/time><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"lead\">Today is International Repair Day, an annual event to celebrate those who help consumers repair their products and reduce their impact upon the planet. The right to repair movement is a crucial part of the transition to a circular economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a world where we are constantly bombarded with adverts encouraging us to upgrade our phones, buy the latest gadgets and update our wardrobes with new clothes, there\u2019s the implicit message to discard the old. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/news\/2023\/11\/black-friday\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">To buy, buy, buy,<\/a> and ignore the mounting waste and pollution. But the environmental effects can\u2019t be ignored with mountainous piles of landfill and plastic in our oceans. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/we-dont-buy-it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">overconsumption<\/a>, and growing population, demand more resources than the earth can supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"728\" src=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Consumption-of-Earths-resources-2017-rectlogo-1024x728.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15027\" srcset=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Consumption-of-Earths-resources-2017-rectlogo-1024x728.png 1024w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Consumption-of-Earths-resources-2017-rectlogo-300x213.png 300w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Consumption-of-Earths-resources-2017-rectlogo-768x546.png 768w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Consumption-of-Earths-resources-2017-rectlogo-1536x1092.png 1536w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Consumption-of-Earths-resources-2017-rectlogo.png 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">International Repair Day<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Our consumption-driven culture is encouraged by companies who deliberately design products with limited lifespans. This practice is known as planned obsolescence, meaning we must replace our old devices with the latest models. Companies can also make it difficult to get our current devices repaired, with consumers having to fight for the right to repair products. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today is <a href=\"https:\/\/openrepair.org\/international-repair-day\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">International Repair Day<\/a>, a day to celebrate all those in our communities who make it easier for us to repair our products, which can reduce our environmental impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/builtin.com\/articles\/right-to-repair-act\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">right to repair movement<\/a> has emerged as a critical force in challenging the throwaway culture that dominates today\u2019s global economy. This movement advocates for the ability for consumers to repair their own devices. Smartphones, computers, home appliances and even cars are included. Too often we are forced to discard and replace products when they break or become outdated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve recently begun a series exploring alternative economic models, including <a href=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/news\/2024\/09\/redistribute-resources-eliminate-waste-circular-economy-part-one\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Circular Economics.<\/a> At its core, right to repair aligns with the principles of this theory. It seeks to minimise waste by keeping products in use longer, promoting repair, reuse, and designing goods with longevity in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our planet is under tremendous strain due to unsustainable patterns of consumption and production. The right to repair movement is not just about fixing gadgets. It\u2019s a step toward rethinking how we interact with the resources we consume and is vital to help address the <a href=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/news\/2024\/03\/global-resources-dwindling-as-demand-rises\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">environmental challenges posed by our high consumption and growing global population.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/3-Earths-no-logo.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3870\" srcset=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/3-Earths-no-logo.png 1800w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/3-Earths-no-logo-300x213.png 300w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/3-Earths-no-logo-1024x728.png 1024w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/3-Earths-no-logo-768x546.png 768w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/3-Earths-no-logo-1536x1092.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Problem with Planned Obsolescence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>E-waste is any discarded electronic appliance such as mobile phones, computers, and televisions. It&#8217;s one of the fastest growing solid waste streams in the world. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/electronic-waste-(e-waste)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">In 2022, an estimated 62\u00a0million tonnes of e-waste were produced globally.<\/a> Only 22.3% was documented as formally collected and recycled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the key drivers behind the world\u2019s growing e-waste is <a href=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/news\/2024\/04\/from-lightbulbs-to-smartphones-the-practice-of-planned-obsolescence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">planned obsolescence<\/a>. Whether it\u2019s through difficult-to-replace batteries, proprietary screws, or software updates that cause your device to become outdated, planned obsolescence forces consumers to buy new products more frequently than they would otherwise need to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1706\" src=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/eirik-solheim-mWTOR3Rx8l8-unsplash-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10631\" srcset=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/eirik-solheim-mWTOR3Rx8l8-unsplash-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/eirik-solheim-mWTOR3Rx8l8-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/eirik-solheim-mWTOR3Rx8l8-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/eirik-solheim-mWTOR3Rx8l8-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/eirik-solheim-mWTOR3Rx8l8-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/eirik-solheim-mWTOR3Rx8l8-unsplash-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a direct contradiction to the principles of a circular economy, where conscious design focused on product longevity and minimising waste by ensuring products can be recirculated into the economy at the end of their lifespan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For every <a href=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/news\/2024\/02\/six-billion-units-the-life-cycle-of-a-smartphone\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">new gadget or household appliance that is bought, vast quantities of raw materials must be extracted<\/a>. This contributes to environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and increasing carbon emissions. The right to repair movement is a response to this wasteful cycle, pushing for products to be built for durability, reparability, and reusability. This aligns with the principles of circular economics and <a href=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/news\/2024\/03\/global-resources-dwindling-as-demand-rises\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reduces demand for natural resources and environmental pressure.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Right to Repair and Circular Economics<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the major components of circular economics is product life extension, which seeks to maximize the use of a product by enabling consumers or independent repair services to fix items when they break. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Right to repair laws would ensure that individuals have access to the necessary tools, parts, and information to perform these repairs &#8211; encouraging a culture of fixing, rather than disposing. This not only reduces the e-waste and overall material consumption but also decreases demand for resource extraction, reducing the environmental impacts associated with manufacturing new products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite <a href=\"https:\/\/grist.org\/technology\/microsoft-right-to-repair-quietly-supported-legislation-to-make-it-easier-to-fix-devices-heres-why-thats-a-big-deal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">opposition from major tech companies to the right to repair movement<\/a>, there has been valuable progress made. In the United States, the right to repair movement has made significant strides, with multiple states having adopted right to repair legislation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The EU also embraced the right to repair movement as part of its directives towards a circular economy&nbsp;which are aimed toward reducing e-waste and greenhouse gas emissions through improvements in consumer repair and recycling programs. A <a href=\"https:\/\/environment.ec.europa.eu\/strategy\/circular-economy-action-plan_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2020 Circular Economy Action Plan<\/a> draft included the right to repair of electronics for EU citizens, so consumers can replace only the malfunctioning parts of their products rather than replace the entire device, reducing e-waste. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Currently, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bigrepairproject.org.uk\/about\/right-to-repair\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the UK\u2019s right to repair law<\/a> only covers dishwashers, washing machines, washer-dryers, refrigeration appliances as well as televisions and electronic displays, but not smartphones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/kilian-seiler-PZLgTUAhxMM-unsplash-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11890\" srcset=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/kilian-seiler-PZLgTUAhxMM-unsplash-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/kilian-seiler-PZLgTUAhxMM-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/kilian-seiler-PZLgTUAhxMM-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/kilian-seiler-PZLgTUAhxMM-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/kilian-seiler-PZLgTUAhxMM-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/kilian-seiler-PZLgTUAhxMM-unsplash-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Join The Movement<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The right to repair movement is a crucial part of the broader effort to transition from a linear to a circular economy. One in which waste is minimised, products are kept in use longer, and demand for primary resources is reduced, lessening environmental pressures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many of us are likely to find e-waste in our homes, whether it\u2019s old smartphones in drawers, or a broken computer put away in the attic. All of these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/electrical-recycling-near-me\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">electronic devices can be properly recycled<\/a>, and are in demand. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/environment\/2024\/oct\/08\/britons-urged-to-dig-out-unwanted-electricals-to-tackle-copper-shortage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Scientists are calling for \u201curban mining\u201d<\/a> to recycle our old tech to harvest the copper and other precious metals inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As for your current devices, if they\u2019re starting to get faulty then you can get them repaired. Organisations such as <a href=\"https:\/\/repair.eu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Restart Project<\/a> help people learn how to repair their broken electronics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The right to repair movement is an important shift to help us all rethink how we consume in the first place. At its core is the value in repairing our products and reducing our consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-popmat-share\"><a class=\"fb-share\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpopulationmatters.org%2F%3Fp%3D15026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><div><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 32H48A48 48 0 0 0 0 80v352a48 48 0 0 0 48 48h137.25V327.69h-63V256h63v-54.64c0-62.15 37-96.48 93.67-96.48 27.14 0 55.52 4.84 55.52 4.84v61h-31.27c-30.81 0-40.42 19.12-40.42 38.73V256h68.78l-11 71.69h-57.78V480H400a48 48 0 0 0 48-48V80a48 48 0 0 0-48-48z\"><\/path><\/svg> Share<\/div><\/a><a class=\"tw-share\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpopulationmatters.org%2F%3Fp%3D15026&amp;text=Right%20to%20Repair%3A%20A%20Path%20Towards%20Circular%20Economics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><div><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M459.37 151.716c.325 4.548.325 9.097.325 13.645 0 138.72-105.583 298.558-298.558 298.558-59.452 0-114.68-17.219-161.137-47.106 8.447.974 16.568 1.299 25.34 1.299 49.055 0 94.213-16.568 130.274-44.832-46.132-.975-84.792-31.188-98.112-72.772 6.498.974 12.995 1.624 19.818 1.624 9.421 0 18.843-1.3 27.614-3.573-48.081-9.747-84.143-51.98-84.143-102.985v-1.299c13.969 7.797 30.214 12.67 47.431 13.319-28.264-18.843-46.781-51.005-46.781-87.391 0-19.492 5.197-37.36 14.294-52.954 51.655 63.675 129.3 105.258 216.365 109.807-1.624-7.797-2.599-15.918-2.599-24.04 0-57.828 46.782-104.934 104.934-104.934 30.213 0 57.502 12.67 76.67 33.137 23.715-4.548 46.456-13.32 66.599-25.34-7.798 24.366-24.366 44.833-46.132 57.827 21.117-2.273 41.584-8.122 60.426-16.243-14.292 20.791-32.161 39.308-52.628 54.253z\"><\/path><\/svg> Tweet<\/div><\/a><a class=\"li-share\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpopulationmatters.org%2F%3Fp%3D15026&amp;text=Right%20to%20Repair%3A%20A%20Path%20Towards%20Circular%20Economics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><div><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M416 32H31.9C14.3 32 0 46.5 0 64.3v383.4C0 465.5 14.3 480 31.9 480H416c17.6 0 32-14.5 32-32.3V64.3c0-17.8-14.4-32.3-32-32.3zM135.4 416H69V202.2h66.5V416zm-33.2-243c-21.3 0-38.5-17.3-38.5-38.5S80.9 96 102.2 96c21.2 0 38.5 17.3 38.5 38.5 0 21.3-17.2 38.5-38.5 38.5zm282.1 243h-66.4V312c0-24.8-.5-56.7-34.5-56.7-34.6 0-39.9 27-39.9 54.9V416h-66.4V202.2h63.7v29.2h.9c8.9-16.8 30.6-34.5 62.9-34.5 67.2 0 79.7 44.3 79.7 101.9V416z\"><\/path><\/svg> Post<\/div><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-light-blue-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related content<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-popmat-grid grid grid-3\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-popmat-post-teaser\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/news\/2024\/02\/six-billion-units-the-life-cycle-of-a-smartphone\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3>Six billion units: the Life Cycle of a Smartphone<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/animation-banner-768x450.png\" class=\"wp-image-11816\" srcset=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/animation-banner-768x450.png 768w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/animation-banner-300x176.png 300w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/animation-banner-1024x600.png 1024w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/animation-banner.png 1430w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/img>\n\t\t\t\t<p>Each individual smartphone requires an intensive production process to arrive in your hand. Multiply that by six billion units a year and the environmental impact becomes monumental. <\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-popmat-post-teaser\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/news\/2024\/09\/redistribute-resources-eliminate-waste-circular-economy-part-one\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3>Redistribute Resources, Eliminate Waste: Circular Economy &#8211; Part One<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/paulo-carrolo-nba9MRXrZE4-unsplash-768x512.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-14790\" srcset=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/paulo-carrolo-nba9MRXrZE4-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/paulo-carrolo-nba9MRXrZE4-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/paulo-carrolo-nba9MRXrZE4-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/paulo-carrolo-nba9MRXrZE4-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/paulo-carrolo-nba9MRXrZE4-unsplash-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/img>\n\t\t\t\t<p>A Circular Economy is an alternative economic model focused on the redistribution of resources and elimination of waste, for the betterment of both people and the planet. But is it achievable in a growth obsessed world?<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-popmat-post-teaser\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/news\/2024\/04\/from-lightbulbs-to-smartphones-the-practice-of-planned-obsolescence\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3>From lightbulbs to smartphones: the practice of Planned Obsolescence<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"431\" src=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Photo-by-Daniel-Romero-on-Unsplash-768x431.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-12325\" srcset=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Photo-by-Daniel-Romero-on-Unsplash-768x431.jpg 768w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Photo-by-Daniel-Romero-on-Unsplash-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Photo-by-Daniel-Romero-on-Unsplash-1024x574.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Photo-by-Daniel-Romero-on-Unsplash-1536x861.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Photo-by-Daniel-Romero-on-Unsplash-2048x1148.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/img>\n\t\t\t\t<p>Planned obsolescence is a strategy where companies intentionally create products with a limited lifespan. It\u2019s a practice that\u2019s intended to maximise corporate profits at the expense of consumers and at great cost to the natural world. <\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Today is International Repair Day, an annual event to celebrate those who help consumers repair their products, reducing their impact upon the planet. The right to repair movement is a crucial part of the transition to a circular economy.","protected":false},"author":65,"featured_media":15036,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[26,30],"tags":[44,13],"class_list":["post-15026","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-observance-day","tag-consumption","tag-economics"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Right to Repair: A Path Towards Circular Economics - Population Matters<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Today is International Repair Day, the right to repair movement is a crucial part of the transition to a circular economy.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link 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