Interesting stats on EVs and energy use in the US, developments in wind and tidal power, a plastic recycling microfactory, and an "unprecedented collapse" in EU fossil fuel generation.
The law requires manufacturers to provide appropriate tools, parts, software, and documentation for seven years after production for devices priced above $100.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the state's new Right to Repair Act into law this week. Given that California is the world's fifth largest economy, this could have a big impact on the repairability of electronics everywhere.
The bill, co-sponsored by global repair non-profit iFixit, requires manufacturers to provide appropriate tools, parts, software, and documentation for seven years after production for devices priced above $100, making it easier for owners to repair their tech devices themselves or have them repaired by independent repair shops.
I appreciate this quote from Jenn Engstrom, state director of the California Public Interest Research Group:
“This is a victory for consumers and the planet, and it just makes sense... Right now, we mine the planet’s precious minerals, use them to make amazing phones and other electronics, ship these products across the world, and then toss them away after just a few years’ use. What a waste. We should make stuff that lasts and be able to fix our stuff when it breaks, and now thanks to years of advocacy, Californians will finally be able to, with the Right to Repair.”
A new study suggests that switching to a reusable packaging paradigm can reduce greenhouse emissions from plastic by up to 69% – AND use up to 70% less water.
