Repair Café: sustainability impact in the city

Read Erika Aiwekhoe's story, UWE Bristol Aerospace Engineering student and Repair Café coordinator.

2,000 ^hours

Nearly 2,000 hours of time volunteered by participants at the Repair Café.

721 ^kg

721kg of waste prevented from entering landfill.

Erika Aiwekhoe's story

I joined the Repair Café in my first year studying at UWE Bristol because I wanted to try something new.

The Repair Café brings together students, technicians, staff, community volunteers and industry helpers to repair items brought in by local residents, free of charge. By opening its School of Engineering to the public, UWE Bristol creates a space where people can learn from one other, share skills and give every day items a new lease of life.

As part of the textiles team, I help repair and alter clothes. Before coming to university, I enjoyed sewing in my spare time and often repaired or altered my own clothes. Because I wasn't able to bring my sewing machine with me, the Repair Café gave me the opportunity to continue developing my skills while helping members of the public extend the life of their belongings. We get a range of items to repair from 20-minute jobs to some that can take up to two hours, all bringing different challenges and opportunities to learn.

"If you care about sustainability, pick up a screwdriver or a needle and join the repair community to make a difference to people and the planet."

Erika Aiwekhoe, BEng Aerospace Engineering student and Repair Café coordinator

Erika Aiwekhoe BEng Aerospace Engineering student and Repair Café coordinator

Environmental impact in action

One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering is seeing the positive environmental impact of the Repair Café. To date, nearly 650 people have come together at over 25 events, with nearly 2000 hours of time volunteered to repair items. The Repair Café has prevented 721kg of waste entering landfill, avoiding an estimated 5,315kg of C0₂ emissions. Every item repaired represents less waste and a more sustainable way of living.

Student and staff volunteers fixing a blender at the repair café.

Community of repairers

For me, the Repair Café has been about more than fixing things. There’s a great community of people who attend the Café and share knowledge, solve problems and connect with others. I have the best team at the textiles station, and I always leave in a good mood.

The confidence I’ve gained at the Repair Café has also helped me with my degree, such as encouraging me to approach employees at the university’s job fair and network with experienced engineers. It’s even opened up new opportunities for me, such as giving a speech to the School of Engineering staff about the Repair Café and its impact and internships.

Open to everyone

You don’t need a STEM degree to be involved in the Repair Café, and most importantly it’s a place where you can learn. Repair is a very important part of the lifecycle of all manufactured products, from shirts, to bikes, to kettles. As a volunteer you’ll develop practical skills and meet regularly with a community of passionate volunteers that includes UWE Bristol students, from undergrad through to PhD students, staff, retired engineers, and members of the community.

I’d encourage others to be part of the Repair Café – if you care about sustainability, pick up a screwdriver or a needle and join the repair community to make a difference to people and the planet.