In an age of constant technological advancement, electronic waste (e-waste) has emerged as a formidable global challenge. Sustainable Living Lab (SL2), a passionate advocate for sustainability, recognised the urgency of addressing e-waste issues. 

Their response came in the form of Repair Kopitiam, a unique initiative that not only extends the lifespan of electronic devices but also seeks to foster a culture of sustainable living. Now, they have joined hands with the Youth E-Waste Ambassador Program (YEAP) to engage Singaporean youth and transform the e-waste landscape.

Repair Kopitiam: A Place of Renewal

Repair Kopitiam was founded on the simple yet profound idea that repair can be the key to reducing e-waste. SL2 firmly believed that, instead of discarding or recycling materials, there is immense value in repairing them and giving them a new lease on life. Repair Kopitiam was created with the goal of providing a space where all Singaporean residents with broken items could be guided by coaches to fix them back to good health. And yet, the program wasn’t just about fixing the physical issues; it was about mending a disposable mindset and pushing back against consumerism.

Also read: YEAP joins forces with Electrolux in championing sustainable living

The impact of Repair Kopitiam extends far beyond the program’s walls. By advocating for repair over replacement, this initiative encourages a more sustainable approach to e-waste management. Repair Kopitiam focuses on educating visitors about the importance of repair and reusing, not just recycling. It has introduced a more effective method for handling e-waste: repair what can be fixed, and harvest usable parts from what cannot. This approach not only reduces e-waste but also extends the useful life of electronic products, thereby minimising their environmental footprint.

Joining forces with YEAP

While Repair Kopitiam has been successful in creating a sustainable repair culture among its visitors, it hasn’t yet reached a significant portion of Singaporean youth. In previous years, Repair Kopitiam has largely been frequented by older people bringing their damaged electronics for repair — which speaks of the program’s limited engagement with the younger demographic. Currently, youth visitors make up less than 5% of Repair Kopitiam’s public event participants, and thus there is the opportunity to engage what perhaps is a huge, untapped audience.

In line with this, SL2 decided to focus its outreach to the age group of 18 to 36. They recognised the urgency of collaborating with the younger generation to create lasting change in e-waste management. In this pursuit, SL2 found a valuable ally in the Youth E-Waste Ambassador Program (YEAP). YEAP’s mission aligns perfectly with SL2’s vision, and their partnership offers a powerful platform for engaging the youth in Singapore.

The Singaporean youth are poised to play a pivotal role in addressing the e-waste issue in Singapore. They stand to inherit a better understanding of the challenges associated with e-waste and can learn from the mistakes of previous generations. The myths and beliefs that hinder sustainable e-waste management can be dispelled, and a new mindset can emerge. The youth are essential torchbearers of a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

Also read: YEAP joins forces with youths to drive e-waste awareness and sustainable innovation

Through their collaboration with YEAP, SL2 aims to provide the Singaporean youth with an opportunity to experience the joy and community spirit that emerges from repairing items at Repair Kopitiam. They want the youth to understand that “Repair” is not just a missing ‘R’ but a crucial one in the concept of the circular economy, which is integral to sustainable living.

To the Singaporean youth, SL2 offers a precious piece of advice: take one step at a time in your sustainability journey. Amidst numerous distractions and a multitude of suggestions, focus on one sustainable action at a time. Make sustainability a habit, not a chore. By doing so, you can make a significant and lasting impact on e-waste management and contribute to a more sustainable future.

SL2’s Repair Kopitiam’s partnership with YEAP is a testament to their shared commitment to creating a more sustainable approach to e-waste management in Singapore. Together, they are working to engage the younger generation, break down myths, and instil a sense of responsibility for the environment, all the while promoting the culture of repair and sustainable living.

For more insights on e-waste, and updates on upcoming programs and activities, follow YEAP on Instagram and Facebook.

Join YEAP. Become a youth ambassador here.

To learn more about Repair Kopitiam, click here.

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This article is produced by the e27 team, sponsored by YEAP

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