Let us talk briefly about environmental protection. Numerous articles, seminars, and workshops are organized on this subject, with enthusiastic participation from young people. Environmental awareness is discussed, pledges are taken, and concerns are raised.
Yet, when we observe everyday behavior, a contradiction becomes evident. The same youth, often unknowingly, are also promoting the “throwaway culture.”
Today, the moment an item develops even a minor fault, it is discarded instead of being repaired, and a new one is purchased. There may be several reasons for this, but one major reason is our reluctance to make any personal effort.
Take a simple example. Suppose your toaster, which costs around ₹1500, stops working. Most of us would plan to buy a new one rather than get it repaired. There may even be an exchange offer, giving ₹200–300 for the old toaster. However, repairing that same toaster might cost only ₹200–300 and make it fully functional again. The real question is—do we even consider this option?
Another important aspect is that repair shops themselves are disappearing. When people stop seeking repairs, why would technicians continue in this profession? On the other hand, online shopping has made buying new products extremely easy, while repair services have largely stayed out of the digital ecosystem.
And what happens to the old toaster once the new one arrives? In a small number of cases, it may be repaired and resold, but in most cases, it ends up as scrap. The environmental damage caused by processing this waste is something we rarely think about.
Electronic items today are rapidly turning into e-waste. While manufacturers benefit from increased sales, the accumulation of e-waste is becoming alarming. According to the Global E-waste Monitor, the world generated 62 million metric tons of e-waste in 2022, of which less than one-fourth was recycled.
Most devices are discarded due to minor defects. Research by the European Environmental Bureau shows that using a smartphone for just one additional year can reduce its carbon footprint by nearly 30%. This single statistic is powerful enough to change our perspective.
If we truly want to protect the environment, reviving the culture of repair is the only sustainable solution. Governments must take concrete steps for the sake of future generations, and all of us must change our mindset.
On one side, millions of young people are struggling to find jobs; on the other, there is a severe shortage of skilled repair professionals. Why not launch a movement to train unemployed youth in repair skills, enabling maximum reuse of products? Voluntary organizations can lead this effort, and governments can support it through training, incentives, and infrastructure.
Some European countries provide inspiring examples. Sweden has reduced VAT on repair services to encourage people to repair rather than replace. Rwanda has established community repair hubs, reducing e-waste imports. Some countries even offer direct subsidies for repairs.
The truth is that seniors have never embraced the throwaway culture. Even today, when you speak to an elderly person—whether about clothes or household appliances—their instinctive response is, “Why not repair it?” This mindset reflects responsibility, experience, and respect for resources.
If governments, citizens, and society come together to encourage young people entering this field, we can take a major step toward environmental protection. Small enterprises will emerge in every city, creating jobs and reducing waste.
Large manufacturing companies may face some inconvenience, but safeguarding our environment for future generations must remain our highest priority.
Author
The author is the founder of the Never Say Retire mission. In order to achieve this goal, he also runs this website and his Facebook group Never Say Retire Forum has Hundreds and Thousands of members today.
