Apple AirPods are designed to die: Here’s what you should know
AirPods are nearly impossible to repair and their batteries are short-lived. Apple should design them to last.
New economy
As we keep producing and consuming ever-increasing quantities of “stuff,” a growing number of people are asking: Can we create an economy that values common interests, public health and the quality of our lives, over growth at any cost?
We should be able to fix our stuff when it breaks. We need easy access to the information, tools, resources and third party repair shops it takes to fix our cell phones, appliances, electronics and other equipment. That means working together to get the companies who make our stuff, to give us the right to repair our stuff. When they do, it will be better for the planet, better for our budgets, and things will work the way they are supposed to.
The Latest on New economy
Disposable vapes are creating piles of electronic waste
How much food waste does America create and what can we do about it?
Updates
What the iPhone 14 means for Right to Repair
Deere looks to increase revenues from software fees
Farmers just want to be able to fix their stuff. Tractor dealer consolidation is getting in the way.
Featured Resources
‘Failing the Fix’ scorecard grades Apple, Samsung, Google, others on how fixable their devices are
Fixed for the Holidays
‘Chromebook Churn’ report highlights problems of short-lived laptops in schools
Out to Pasture
The Latest
Statement: FTC Takes Action Against Harley-Davidson and Westinghouse for “Illegally Restricting Customers’ Right to Repair.”
PIRG’s Senior Right to Repair Campaign Director, Nathan Proctor, issued the following statement on the FTC announcement: “The rubber is hitting the road on the FTC’s new focus on protecting your Right to Repair ... "
In the market for a new phone or laptop? This scorecard will tell you which popular products are built to last
Will buy now, pay later mean pain later?
In a new report, we question whether “Buy Now Pay Later” plans make “no fees or interest!” claims that may not be true. We find that you might be billed for canceled or backordered items, but neither the merchant nor the BNPL provider may take responsibility. You can file a comment in the CFPB’s BNPL inquiry until March 25th. Get our BNPL tips. Cover image: Courtesy iStock by B4LL, used under license
The hidden costs of ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’
U.S. PIRG reviewed data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and found that the most common complaints about “Buy Now, Pay Later” plans include hidden fees, high interest rates and problems when it comes time for debt collection.
CFPB focuses on consumer pain points
Yesterday’s announcement of a new report finding stupefying amounts of medical debt on consumer credit reports continues the Biden CFPB’s focus on identifying and responding to consumer pain points caused by a financial marketplace that doesn’t always work for consumers. The CFPB has your back! Photo courtesy Americans for Financial Reform, All rights reserved.
