Since 2019, the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) has been promoting the Repair Café, an initiative that combines sustainability, knowledge sharing, and community spirit. The objective is simple, yet powerful: to extend the lifespan of objects, preventing end-of-life equipment from ending up in landfills.
Impact and Participation
In the last three years, a Repair Café has been held every semester, with an average participation of about 20 members of the academic community, including volunteer repairers and people who bring equipment for repair. These initiatives have already extended the lifespan of dozens of pieces of equipment and are gaining relevance in the context of the circular economy, actively contributing to waste reduction.
At the last Repair Café, held on November 18th, 8 volunteers and 13 participants joined forces to give new life to 6 pieces of equipment. Three were awaited for future repairs, waiting for the necessary part and three others were sent for recycling.
Repaired Equipment
The equipment received for repair covers a wide variety:
- Home appliances (televisions, radios, dryers, coffee machines);
- Electronic devices (computer mice, electronic toys);
- Laboratory equipment (stirrers, heating mantles).
A Learning and Collaboration Platform
More than just numbers, these sessions represent a space for collaboration and learning, where each repair is an opportunity to promote the circular economy and strengthen the sense of community at FEUP.
European Week for Waste Reduction
Initiatives such as the Repair Café therefore fall within the scope of the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR).
