Thanks for logging in.

You can now click/tap WATCH to start the live stream.

Thanks for logging in.

You can now click/tap LISTEN to start the live stream.

Thanks for logging in.

You can now click/tap LATEST NEWS to start the live stream.

LISTEN
Watch
on air now

Create a 2GB account today!

You can now log in once to listen live, watch live, join competitions, enjoy exclusive 2GB content and other benefits.


Joining is free and easy.

You will soon need to register to keep streaming 2GB online. Register an account or skip for now to do it later.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Repairing goods and reducing landfill

Clinton Maynard

Guido Verbist, General Manager of The Bower Reuse and Repair Centre,

an environmental not-for-profit organisation that opened Australia’s first repair cafe in inner Sydney back in 2014.

The pioneer program aims to reduce the amount of waste entering landfill by reclaiming household items for reuse, repair and resale at affordable prices and by encouraging communities to engage in repurposing of preloved goods

Based on the idea of locals lending their knowledge and tools to mend neighbours’ household goods and in the process reduce waste, the first cafe was organised in Amsterdam in 2009.  There are now more than 1500 worldwide, about 40 in Australia.

“It’s helping people keep items rather than ­having to throw them away,” says Guido Verbist, general manager of The Bower.

“Traditional skills have been lost and nowadays you throw things away because it’s cheaper to buy a new one.”

Download this podcast here

Clinton Maynard
Advertisement