Phil's Uplifting May Real Estate Newsletter

DIY Repairs

Megacorporations will try to convince you that your faulty item needs either a shiny new purchase to replace it or can only be repaired by paying one of their “experts.” In many cases, the cheaper, greener option is to learn how to do it yourself. Here are some links to get you started.

First off, familiarize yourself with the Right To Repair movement, working towards putting power back into your hands when it comes to fixing broken items. https://tinyurl.com/uplift05251

Fixit Clinics are a community-based way to learn how to repair your items. Read more, find your local chapter and bring along your goods. https://tinyurl.com/uplift05252

Similarly, The Restart Project started in the UK but is expanding globally, organizing community repair workshops to reduce waste and deal with the climate emergency. https://tinyurl.com/uplift05253

The Fairphone is a smartphone made with sustainable materials by fairly paid workers and is designed to be easily repairable by the consumer. https://tinyurl.com/uplift0525d

What if work holds the wisdom? Lisa Mecham believes that creativity isn’t just about discipline or inspiration. It’s about listening. In this thoughtful reflection, she shares how a solo road trip through Utah and an awe-inspiring canyon moment led her to a breakthrough that landed in The New York Times. If you’ve ever struggled between forcing creativity and letting it unfold naturally, this piece will speak to you. Ready to listen? More: https://tinyurl.com/uplift0525a

Weeks, not years. Time is your most precious resource, and Wait But Why’s Tim Urban has a chart to put your life into perspective, broken down into weeks, each one a tiny gem. Are you using your weeks to build something meaningful, to enjoy life, or are they slipping by unnoticed? Tim’s piece explores how to make the most of your finite time, avoid wasted weeks and create a future you’re proud of. More: https://tinyurl.com/uplift0525b

The habits to live happily. “If I could just achieve X, then I’d be happy.” Does that phrase sound familiar? We often tie our happiness and sense of self-worth to big goals only to find that the joy is fleeting once we reach them. The science of happiness reveals that true, lasting fulfillment comes from everyday habits - gratitude, generosity, savoring small moments - not just major milestones. If you want to stop chasing happiness and start living it, Lisa Evans at Fast Company has some tips for shifting your perspective. More: https://tinyurl.com/uplift0525c

Every year, millions of kettles end up in landfills, often because of small, fixable faults. But what if repairing your kettle was as easy as making a cup of tea? That’s exactly the idea behind a new modular kettle designed to be easily repairable with just a simple screwdriver.

Gabriel Kay, a design student from the UK, wanted to create a kettle that could reduce unnecessary e-waste and encourage a culture of repair. With small household appliances making up a significant portion of the 62 million tons of e-waste generated globally each year, his goal was to shift consumer attitudes and build their confidence in fixing broken items rather than disposing of them.

The concept of his Osiris kettle is straightforward: components inside the kettle are designed to be interchangeable so that instead of throwing away the entire appliance when one part fails, you simply swap it out. The repair process becomes more like routine maintenance, similar to changing a vacuum cleaner’s dust bag, leading to fewer kettles clogging up landfills and a longer lifespan for your appliance.

It’s a forward-thinking move in an age when e-waste is a growing global problem. Everyday gadgets are often built with planned obsolescence in mind, meaning they’re designed to fail after a certain period, pushing consumers to buy replacements. Small household appliances like toasters and kettles make up a significant portion of such discarded electronics.

This new repairable kettle is part of a broader movement to combat these issues, whether through sustainable product design, greater access to knowledge or wider access to “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” schemes. By eliminating the fear of fixing complicated electronics, Kay believes more people will embrace DIY repairs, ultimately reducing landfill waste and extending the lifespan of everyday appliances.

His work has already gained recognition, winning awards from both his university and the Green Grads program, which supports sustainable innovation. He sees Osiris as just the beginning, with potential for expanding the concept to other household electronics. It’s a small but meaningful step toward a greener planet.

We’ve all heard the saying “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” But according to new research, this isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s actually a scientifically backed, powerful coping strategy that can improve your day-to-day life.

A study from Oregon State University found that people who approach life with a sense of playfulness are better at handling stress and uncertainty when it arises. These individuals don’t ignore their problems or pretend that everything is perfect. They just creatively reframe challenges and find ways to enjoy life despite difficulties.

Researchers discovered that playful people tend to see obstacles as opportunities for growth. They’re more likely to adapt to difficult situations, come up with creative solutions, and maintain a sense of control over their emotions. This ability to “make lemonade” allows them to experience more positive moments, even in tough times.

But playfulness isn’t just about fooling around. The study defines it as a combination of fun seeking, spontaneity and uninhibited thinking. People with these traits were found to have higher resilience, meaning they bounced back from setbacks more easily than those who took life too seriously.

Even better, playfulness makes even the most everyday experiences better. The research showed that both playful and non-playful individuals engaged in similar hobbies, but the playful group enjoyed these activities more. Whether it’s cooking, exercising or chatting with friends, they brought a sense of curiosity and joy to their daily routines.

The trick to start “lemonading” more is to cultivate a mindset of openness and fun. Try switching up your routine, embracing creativity and spending time with people who make you laugh. As the study suggests, a little bit of playfulness each day might just be the secret ingredient to turning life’s sour moments into something sweet.