We can all be driven by a disposable mindset. Now that there is a greater focus on the make-do and mend approach. This type of philosophy encourages us to repair and make the most of what we have rather than discard something and buy a replacement. It could be very difficult to embody this mindset, but here are a few practical steps to help you.

Learning Basic Repair Skills

If there's one trait that can serve us in good stead, it's learning how to fix a zipper or repair a cable. It helps save money and can reduce our environmental impact. With so many online tutorials and guides available, you can pick up the bare basics of repair skills around the home. However, it's important to be aware of your own limitations. You could very well find that your fridge is on its way to packing in, and you can consult the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and order OEM appliance parts. Still, you need to have an excellent understanding of your skills. However, by taking the time to understand how things work and how they can be fixed, you can become more self-reliant.

Invest in Quality Items

When purchasing items, we should look at the providers that focus on offering quality rather than the disposable approach. While the initial costs might be higher, the long-term benefits include fewer replacements and a reduced environmental footprint. One of the biggest benefits of investing in quality items is that the providers are more keen to offer opportunities to fix the items. When we purchase cheap and cheerful products, we don't necessarily have things like extended warranties or guarantees, which could mean that depending on the product, we may very well replace those items a number of times per year.

Getting Into a Resourcefulness Mindset

This is arguably the toughest step because if we view items as disposable and our knee-jerk reaction is to buy a replacement, we must consider shifting our perspective. Those who embrace minimalism tend to have a better relationship with the things that they own and consider whether each item serves a specific purpose. Therefore, the next time something breaks, before you discard it, consider whether the thing can be repaired or even repurposed to extend its lifespan.

Create a Repair Kit for Every Use

A basic repair kit can be all we need to ensure we mend various items around the home. Depending on what the common issues are in your home, you may benefit from a set of screwdrivers, a glue gun, pliers, or just a sewing needle and thread, which can ensure that you are ready if something breaks and you will have a more proactive approach to these things. Undoubtedly, one of the stresses of the holiday season is when we've bought something, and it instantly doesn't work; sometimes, a little tinkering is all we need to do!

Embodying a make-do and mend approach is not just about having a set of screwdrivers underneath the kitchen sink but about adopting a mindset that ensures you can contribute to a more eco-friendly lifestyle and enjoy the benefits of making things last, which is absolutely a rarity in the modern world.