First Lewis County Repair & Sustainability Fair showcases DIY exhibits

CHEHALIS – A button fell off of your shirt, there’s a rip in your favorite jeans, or your small appliance stopped working. Don’t toss it – repair it! Volunteer “fixers” will be on hand at the inaugural Lewis County Repair and Sustainability Fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Apr. 22 at the Centralia College SWFT Center, Room 108, 807 W. Pear St. in Centralia.

Lewis County Solid Waste Utility, Lewis County WSU Extension Service, Washington State Department of Ecology and Zero Waste Washington have brought together local residents who are handy at a variety of crafts to repair your clothing, furniture, electronics, bicycles, jewelry and more.

“It’s easy to repair a hole with a piece of fabric,” Donna Sorenson said when describing unwearable jeans, socks or other clothing. “You don’t have to toss your shirt, sweater or coat that have lost buttons which are easy to put back on.”

“Our volunteers have wanted to offer a repair and sustainability fair for years,” Lynn Ford, President of the Lewis County WSU Extension Master Recycler and Composter volunteers said.

“We hope to teach people how to repair items and give them a longer life by maintaining them and keeping items out of the landfill,” Lewis County Solid Waste Utility Recycling Coordinator Melanie Case said. “By repairing items you save money and learn new skills.”

For more information on how best to reuse and recycle items click here.