17 Purchases That Used To Be Repaired — Not Replaced
Explore everyday items that were once commonly repaired, reflecting a bygone era of sustainability and craftsmanship.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
In today’s fast-paced consumer culture, the inclination to replace rather than repair has become the norm. However, there was a time when mending household items was a common practice, emphasizing durability and resourcefulness. By revisiting these practices, we can glean insights into sustainable living and the importance of preserving our belongings.
1. Sewing Machines
David Krotz on Wikimedia Commons
Once a household staple, sewing machines were essential for mending clothes and creating garments. Families often passed them down through generations, emphasizing the value of self-reliance and craftsmanship.
2. Leather Shoes
Anna Shvets on Pexels
Quality leather shoes were regularly resoled and polished, extending their lifespan significantly. Cobblers played a vital role in maintaining footwear, reflecting a time when durability was prioritized over disposability.
3. Wooden Furniture
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Scratches and dents on wooden furniture were addressed with sanding and refinishing. Rather than discarding, people invested time in restoring pieces, preserving both function and sentimental value.
4. Analog Watches
Dave H on Wikimedia Commons
Mechanical watches were designed for longevity, with owners routinely servicing them to ensure accuracy. Watchmakers offered repairs and maintenance, making these timepieces lifelong companions.
5. Bicycles
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Flat tires and worn brakes didn’t signal the end for bicycles. Owners took pride in performing regular maintenance, ensuring their bikes remained reliable modes of transportation.
6. Kitchen Appliances
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Toasters, blenders, and mixers were once built to last, with replaceable parts readily available. Homeowners often repaired these appliances themselves or sought local technicians, reducing waste and saving money.
7. Radios
KoolShooters on Wikimedia Commons
Radios were central to home entertainment, and when they malfunctioned, repair shops were the go-to solution. Technicians replaced tubes and fixed wiring, ensuring the music kept playing.
8. Umbrellas
Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz on Pexels
A broken spoke or torn fabric didn’t mean the end of an umbrella. People commonly repaired them, valuing the practicality and reducing unnecessary purchases.
9. Ceramics
Silar on Wikimedia Commons
Cracked plates and mugs were mended using special adhesives, often becoming cherished items with stories to tell. The Japanese art of Kintsugi exemplifies this philosophy, embracing imperfections.
10. Books
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Torn pages and loose bindings didn’t relegate books to the trash. Libraries and individuals took care to repair and preserve literature, valuing knowledge and history.
11. Clothing
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Mending holes and replacing buttons were routine tasks, often taught from a young age. This practice extended the life of garments and instilled a sense of responsibility.
12. Toys
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Broken toys weren’t immediately discarded. Parents and children repaired them together, fostering creativity and a deeper appreciation for their belongings.
13. Luggage
Ketut Subiyanto on Wikimedia Commons
Suitcases and travel bags were built to endure, and when parts wore out, repairs were the first course of action. This approach saved money and reduced waste.
14. Eyeglasses
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Loose hinges or missing screws didn’t necessitate new frames. Opticians and DIY kits made eyeglass repairs accessible and economical.
15. Lamps
Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels
Burnt-out sockets or frayed cords were once easily repaired or replaced. People valued the design and function of their lamps enough to restore rather than toss them.
16. Typewriter
Sammlung der Medien und Wissenschaft on Wikimedia Commons
Before computers, typewriters were repaired when keys stuck or ribbons wore out. Shops offered cleaning and tune-ups, keeping these machines in working condition for decades.
17. Record Players
Daderot on Pexels
Worn needles and motor issues were fixable parts of owning a record player. Music lovers maintained them carefully to keep their favorite albums spinning.