Repair initiatives promote sustainability in Belgium and the Netherlands

Various regional initiatives in Belgium and the Netherlands are promoting repair and reuse to reduce waste and conserve resources.

In Oosterzele, Belgium, the 21st Repair Café is scheduled for October 17 at the GILO primary school. Volunteers will offer free repairs for items such as electronics, textiles, toys, and garden tools. The event also includes bicycle safety checks by the Fietsersbond to encourage maintenance ahead of winter.

In the Netherlands, the province of Utrecht is hosting National Repair Week from October 10 to 18, 2026. Organized by the Natuur en Milieufederatie Utrecht (NMU) in collaboration with local municipalities and Repair Cafés, the week aims to demonstrate that broken products do not have to be discarded. The initiative aligns with the European ‘Right to Repair’ movement, which seeks to make repairs more accessible and mandatory for manufacturers.