The Declutter Hub Podcast The Declutter Hub Podcast

419 Why repairing is better than buying new with Martine Postma from Repair Cafe

Aug 7, 2026 · 41m

Summary

Ingrid interviews Martina Postma, founder of the Repair Café International Foundation, about her mission to combat waste by reviving repair skills. They discuss the movement’s origins in Amsterdam and its global expansion to nearly 4,000 volunteer-run cafes. The episode highlights how these community hubs foster social connection while fixing household items, encouraging a sustainable mindset shift away from disposable culture.

Topics discussed

Intro: The value of repairing and sponsor ads Welcome Martina Postma, founder of Repair Café Martina's motivation: Waste reduction and community The first Repair Café event in Amsterdam The social aspect and mindset shift of repairing What items can be brought to a Repair Café? Why we lost the skill and desire to repair Maintenance tips and sponsor break How the Repair Café movement went global Finding volunteers and the role of tinkerers Difficult repairs and cafe schedules How to find and prepare for a Repair Café visit Impact stats, closing thoughts, and final ads
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