Consumers interested in sustainability want to keep their products functional for as long as possible, which directly opposes how most companies entice consumers to purchase newer models even if their older ones still work.

You may have seen more businesses making it easier — or even possible — for users to get their products fixed instead of buying replacements. It’s thanks to the right-to-repair movement and progress that has spread across the United States and other countries. What should you do as someone who wants to support this initiative, arrange repairs and prioritize long-lasting products?

Support Right-to-Repair Legislation

Legislative work can move slowly, but thanks to dedicated campaigners, the right-to-repair movement is making progress. You can track it with Repair.org’s color-coded map showing each state’s legal status.

Get location-specific details by scrolling past the graphic and interacting with the drop-down content for states that have passed relevant laws. The right to get your stuff repaired usually does not apply to every product, making it necessary to learn the particulars before acting. Even if your state already has laws in effect, consider signing up for updates from Repair.org or other organizations working on this cause.

Your support will help them maintain momentum and educate others. In addition to Repair.org, which operates as The Digital Right to Repair Coalition, iFixit and the U.S. Public Interest Research Group are other organizations focusing on this issue.

Their hard work has paid off. As of February 2025, legislators in all 50 U.S. states had considered right-to-repair laws, and 24 states have these laws in effect, with seven having passed nine versions of the legislation since 2020.

Become Familiar With the Stipulations

Even states with right-to-repair laws often have specifics shaping their application in practice. The state-specific information from Repair.org is a good starting point for solid overviews.

Some larger publications have also covered some of the more unusual nuances associated with the laws. That’s particularly true if the details are likely to catch some people by surprise. In California, users of wheelchairs can seek third-party repairs if they have powered products, but not manually operated ones.

That limitation still represents progress due to a power wheelchair duopoly. With both companies owned by private equity firms, some users say they face lengthy delays when forced to get repairs directly from the companies that sold the products. In Iowa, people on Medicare who use wheelchairs need in-person prescriptions from their doctors to get repairs.

This product category is not the only one with specifics about right-to-repair laws. Recently signed measures in Washington and Oregon have some key exemptions for security and life-safety systems. One prevents manufacturers from needing to share sensitive details or repair documents if doing so would compromise the underlying infrastructure.

Find a Repair Cafe in Your Area

You may have a weekly habit of drinking coffee in a local cafe, but what about having things fixed in a repair cafe? Repair cafes are gatherings where you can bring broken items for volunteers to fix or show you how to do it.

Repair cafes are excellent community resources because they help determine which repairs someone can do safely without contacting a professional. Owners of heavy equipment associated with high-voltage or pressurized systems know that those products introduce risks not to address themselves.

But people can tinker with many items used daily around the house without excessive dangers, especially with an experienced person’s guidance. Even if you don’t have items that need immediate fixing, attending a repair cafe is a great way to feel empowered and realize how items are not necessarily unusable after they break.

Show your support and learn new skills by attending or even starting one if you have the motivation and time. Browse a list of nearly 200 locations in the United States to find nearby options.

Support Companies That Enable Product Longevity

Many brands have resisted the right-to-repair movement, viewing it as a business threat because it makes existing purchases last longer instead of encouraging ongoing consumption. Others have embraced it, spotlighting repairability as a notable selling point. VAUDE, Fairphone and Patagonia are pioneers in this area. The next time you need to buy something new, consider researching whether an easy-to-repair option exists.

You can also prioritize buy-it-for-life products, which manufacturers create to last for years if maintained well. Cutco knives, JanSport backpacks and Darn Tough socks are examples of brands with lifetime guarantees or warranties. Some still exclude specific issues, so read the fine print and understand the process for making a claim if needed.

Many products in this category cost more than their less durable counterparts, and you may initially find it difficult to justify the costs when making a direct comparison. One way around that is to purchase a buy-it-for-life version of a product you have replaced several times over the years, and ideally something priced at less than $100. Keep track of your overall use and how long it lasts without an issue arising. The results may be convincing.

Spread the Word About the Repair Revolution

The right-to-repair movement is a rapidly evolving issue. Now is a great time to keep yourself informed about the latest news by getting on the mailing lists of organizations working to raise awareness and push for positive change. Broaden their reach by sharing posts on social media or attending local events if your schedule allows.

You can also encourage momentum among those you know by sharing what you learn and helping friends view repairable goods as more accessible and viable. These items are not widely available in all categories yet, but more manufacturers will create them if they notice an increased market demand.

About the Author

Ellie Gabel is a freelance writer as well as an associate editor for Revolutionized.com. When she’s not writing about the latest advancements in science and technology, you can find her playing video games and spending time with husband and their cats.