BBC Report – ‘Right to repair’ gathers force in EU and USA
According to a report from the BBC (link below), “help is at hand” as 
citizens in the EU and parts of the USA will soon get a “right to repair” – of sorts.
It consists of a series of proposals from European environment ministers to force manufacturers to make goods that last longer and are easier to repair.
The European proposals refer to lighting, televisions and large home appliances.
At least 18 US states are considering similar laws in a growing backlash against products which can’t be taken apart because they’re glued together, or which don’t have a supply of spare parts, or repair instructions.
Consumers have complained to the EU Commission that firms have been able to keep control of the repair process by insisting some products are mended by professionals under the control of manufacturers.
The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) said: “This restricts the access of independent repairers to spare parts and information – and that limits the scope and affordability of repair services.” The EEB also wants other products like smart phones and printers included in the legislation.
One study showed that between 2004 and 2012, the proportion of major household appliances that died within five years rose from 3.5% to 8.3%.
An analysis of junked washing machines at a recycling centre showed that more than 10% were less than five years old.
Read the entire article here.
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