In a world increasingly marked by disposable consumption, Repair Kopitiam shines as a movement promoting sustainability through community-based repair to tackle the throw-away culture.
Images: Facebook/Repair Kopitiam
Rather than discarding items with minor damage, Repair Kopitiam advocates for their repair, helping people learn valuable life skills while reducing waste.
Founded in late 2014 by the Sustainable Living Lab and now driven by its nonprofit arm, SL2 Impact, Repair Kopitiam encourages hands-on repair and responsible disposal. Co-founders Veerappan Swaminathan and Farah Sanwari recognized the need to combat Singapore’s growing waste problem by teaching residents to fix rather than throw away items.
Images: Facebook/Repair Kopitiam
Today, Repair Kopitiam operates monthly community meetups across Singapore, where expert volunteer Repair Coaches assist attendees in mending everything from electronics to fabrics and furniture. These gatherings take place on the last Sunday of each month in various neighborhoods, fostering an inclusive repair culture that builds skills and resilience.
Repair Kopitiam also extends beyond monthly meetups, offering workshops and activities to equip participants with practical repair knowledge. By involving people in interactive, hands-on experiences, the initiative empowers them to repair items, helping them save money while promoting environmental responsibility.
Through Repair Kopitiam, individuals gain not only technical skills but also a renewed appreciation for what they own and the environment around them. Driven by the ethos of sustainability, this movement represents a tangible step toward a greener, more resource-conscious society, where community effort and environmental mindfulness intersect.
Find out more about the Repair Kopitiam here and do your part for a sustainable world today!