The Return to Make-Do and Mend

Repair before Replacement - A sustainable approach to demolition, construction and beyond.

Remember when "make do and mend" was more than just a phrase? It was a way of life, a practical approach to living that encouraged resourcefulness, thrift, and a deep respect for the things we owned.

Whether it was patching up a worn pair of jeans, tinkering with a car engine to keep it running, or refurbishing a piece of machinery, there was a time when people took pride in fixing things rather than throwing them away.

But today, in the demolition and construction equipment sector and beyond, that mindset seems to be fading into history.

Let’s start with the world we’re in: the demolition and construction equipment sector. In the past, if a machine broke down, the first thought wasn’t to replace it; it was to repair it, to make it last. An excavator, dozer, or wheel loader was seen as an investment, a piece of equipment that, with the right care, could serve you well for decades. And when parts wore out, you didn’t scrap the machine. You repaired or remanufactured those parts.

But today, that’s becoming less common. We live in a throwaway society, where the instinct to replace rather than repair has taken hold. When a machine starts showing its age, many companies simply look to trade it in for a newer model. There’s a growing perception that new is always better, that the latest technology will solve all problems, and that anything old is obsolete. But what does that mean for the environment? And are we really getting better value for money?

Take remanufacturing, for example. This is the process of taking worn-out or damaged components and restoring them to like-new condition. It’s a practice that’s still alive in some parts of the industry, but it’s often overshadowed by the push for new machines. Yet, remanufacturing is a brilliant way to extend the life of equipment, reduce waste, and cut costs. It’s also a far more sustainable option than constantly buying new.

By remanufacturing components, we’re not just saving money; we’re also conserving raw materials, reducing energy consumption, and minimising the environmental impact of manufacturing new parts from scratch. And let’s not forget the skills involved. The ability to diagnose a problem, take something apart, and put it back together so it works as good as new—that’s a craft, one that deserves to be valued and preserved.

But the decline of "make do and mend" isn’t just limited to our industry. Look at how we treat our cars. There was a time when every neighbourhood had its own mechanic, and most drivers had at least a basic understanding of how their vehicles worked. People would spend weekends under the hood, changing the oil, replacing spark plugs, or fixing a dodgy exhaust. These days, cars are so packed with electronics and specialised components that many people wouldn’t dream of fixing them themselves. Instead, we hand over our keys to a garage or, worse, consider trading in our vehicle for a new one at the first sign of trouble.

This shift has been driven by several factors. For one, cars have become more complex. But there’s also a cultural shift at play, where convenience trumps self-reliance. Why spend time fixing something when you can replace it with the click of a button? But this convenience comes at a cost, not just to our wallets but to the environment. Every time we choose to replace rather than repair, we’re contributing to a cycle of waste and consumption that’s simply unsustainable.

Then there’s the fashion industry, which has arguably taken the throwaway culture to its extreme. Fast fashion has made clothing so cheap and accessible that many people see it as disposable. If a shirt tears or a button pops off, it’s often easier to toss it out and buy something new rather than take the time to mend it. This has led to a staggering amount of textile waste, with millions of tons of clothing ending up in landfills each year. The environmental impact is enormous, from the water and energy used in production to the pollution caused by textile dyes and the synthetic fibres that can take centuries to decompose.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. We can bring back the mindset of "make do and mend," not just as a nostalgic nod to the past but as a necessary shift towards a more sustainable future. It starts with changing how we think about the things we own, from our clothes to our cars to our construction equipment. Instead of seeing them as disposable, we need to see them as valuable resources worth maintaining and preserving.

In the demolition and construction equipment sector, this means prioritizing maintenance and repair over replacement. It means investing in remanufacturing, not just as a cost-saving measure but as a commitment to sustainability. It means recognising the value of the skilled labor involved in repairing and refurbishing equipment, and ensuring that these skills are passed down to the next generation.

For the rest of us, it means taking a step back from the throwaway culture that has become so pervasive. It means learning to sew a button, change a tire, or fix a leaky tap. It means thinking twice before we toss something out and asking ourselves if it can be repaired or repurposed instead.

Ultimately, bringing back "make do and mend" is about more than just fixing things. It’s about fostering a mindset of sustainability, resourcefulness, and respect for the environment. It’s about recognising that the things we own have value beyond their price tags and that taking care of them is not just good for our wallets but for the planet as well.

In a world where the pressure to consume is constant, it might seem easier to take the path of least resistance—to buy new rather than repair, to replace rather than remanufacture. But if we’re serious about safeguarding the environment, we need to rethink that approach. We need to remember the value of making do and mending, of fixing what’s broken and preserving what’s still good.

Because in the end, the things we own aren’t just disposable items—they’re part of a larger ecosystem, one that we have a responsibility to protect. By embracing a "make do and mend" mentality, we’re not just preserving the past—we’re investing in a sustainable future.