Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1538811
6 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 AUGUST 2025 NEWS Promoting repair: Empowering consumers and supporting the circular economy IN recent years, environmental sustaina- bility has become a major concern across the globe. In response, legislation like the European Union's Right to Repair direc- tive has taken center stage in promoting sustainable practices. This new regulation empowers consumers by giving them the right to repair their electronic devices, household appliances, and more. By ena- bling access to parts, tools, and informa- tion, the Right to Repair directive aims to break the cycle of planned obsolescence, offering major benefits for consumers and the environment alike. The new EU right to repair rules, ef- fective from July 2024, aim to simplify, reduce costs, and speed up repairs for consumers. They encourage manufac- turers to create longer-lasting, repairable products, while promoting sustainable consumption, reducing waste, and boost- ing the repair sector. By 2026, EU member states are to transpose rules in national legislation, which include requirements for accessible spare parts, reasonable re- pair costs, and extended warranties for repaired goods. The new measures allow repairers to provide consumers with a free European repair information form, outlining de- tails such as repair conditions, estimated completion time, costs, and options for replacement products. The information in the form will remain valid for 30 calen- dar days, though both the consumer and repairer can agree to extend this period if needed. Repairing for a Circular Economy One of the key advantages of promot- ing repair practices is their potential to contribute to the circular economy. The circular economy revolves around the principle of reducing waste and maximiz- ing the reuse of products and materials. Repair plays a crucial role in this system by extending the useful life of products. Instead of discarding items prematurely, repair keeps products in circulation, pre- venting the need to extract new raw ma- terials and reducing waste in landfills. Repairing items, whether they are elec- tronics, furniture, or household applianc- es, also reduces the demand for manufac- turing new products. Every new product requires raw materials, energy for produc- tion, and resources for transportation, all of which have a significant environmental impact. By choosing to repair, we avoid the environmental costs associated with the manufacturing and shipping of new products. The repair process directly re- duces the consumption of finite resourc- es, making it a key practice for promoting sustainability. Additionally, repair practices can sup- port the creation of local economies. Re- pair services are often provided by local technicians or small businesses, which means that consumers can benefit from more personalized, community-orient- ed services. Instead of relying on large corporations for replacement products, communities can foster local industries focused on the repair and refurbishment of goods. This decentralized approach to product management enhances resil- ience while ensuring that economic ben- efits stay within the local economy. Environmental and Financial Benefits The environmental advantages of re- pair are not limited to material conser- vation and waste reduction. The energy footprint of creating new products is enormous. For example, the energy con- sumption involved in the production and disposal of a smartphone far exceeds the energy used in its repair. By repairing devices rather than replacing them, the carbon emissions tied to production pro- cesses are drastically reduced. The envi- ronmental footprint of repaired products is significantly smaller than that of newly manufactured ones. In addition to environmental advantag- es, repair offers financial benefits. Con- sumers save money by avoiding the need to purchase expensive new products. In some cases, repairing a device costs on- ly a fraction of its replacement price. For businesses, promoting repair services can lead to more customer loyalty, as people are increasingly choosing to support com- panies that offer repair-friendly services and products. Repair, when done proper- ly, can be an affordable and cost-effective way for consumers to keep their goods in optimal condition. Repair Centres in Malta Repair Centres in Malta may prove valu- able in a time when demand for sustain- able practices is rising, yet awareness of available repair services remains limited. A Virtual Repair Centre might offer con- venient access to repair solutions, while also educating consumers about the en- vironmental benefits of repair, helping them make more informed choices. As sustainability continues to be a focus in Malta, such a centre could support the circular economy, the right to repair, and contribute to a more environmentally conscious society. Repair is more than just extending the life of products; it's a crucial practice for promoting environmental sustainability. By encouraging repair over replacement, we reduce the environmental impact of waste and conserve valuable resources. The Right to Repair directive plays a key role in making repair a viable option for consumers, reducing the strain on natu- ral resources and supporting the circular economy. As we move toward a more sustainable future, embracing repair as a practice will be an important step in using resources wisely, minimizing waste, and advancing a circular economy. THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION ERA objects to bungalows proposal at former Garden of Eden THE environment watchdog is ob- jecting to the development of bun- galows instead of the Garden of Eden wedding hall in Żurrieq be- cause of proposed basement-level development. The Environment and Resources Authority said the basement de- velopment goes beyond what was agreed at the outline permit stage and will intensify development in a sensitive ecological area. ERA said such a development is "objection- able." However, ERA indicated it is willing to consider the proposal further if the plans are amended to reduce the size of the proposed basement. The authority does not have the final say on the pro- ject, which will be decided by the Planning Authority. Baldacchino Holdings Ltd has applied to de- molish the existing hall, located in the picturesque Wied Babu ar- ea, and construct 14 single-storey bungalows along with a reception and a new parking area. The proposed basement level will include an indoor pool, sauna, gym facilities and service rooms. The developers were granted an outline permit in 2023 setting the parameters for the development, for which ERA had issued its clear- ance. Plans submitted before the approval of the outline permit lim- ited underground development to a treated water reservoir, a foul water recycling system and a plant room. But the latest plans foresee the development of additional fa- cilities. With the exception of the base- ment development, the new ap- plication broadly follows the con- ditions set in the outline permit, although it adds two bungalows to the 12 initially approved. This change is attributed to the recon- figuration of unit sizes. The project would have a total building footprint of 1,562sq.m while paved areas such as terraces and pools would cover a further 2,094sq.m. Another 1,778sq.m are earmarked for soft landscaping. Currently, the site's built-up footprint stands at 1,661sq.m. The proposed accommodation would consist of six smaller bungalows of 63sq.m each with an outdoor terrace, and eight larger units of around 140sq.m each with a more spacious terrace and a private pool. The original permit for the wed- ding hall was never traced, except for a permit for a boundary wall issued to Joseph Baldacchino in October 1988, and a trading li- cence for an 'open-air disco' issued by the Works Department in 1989. Reporting by James Debono