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
STATEMENT: Maryland passes one of the strongest privacy laws in nation
Disposable vapes are creating piles of electronic waste
Updates
Marylanders to Congressional delegation, “We support right to repair”
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
Stranded
The Latest
Crypto has gone mainstream. But where are the watchdogs?
Matt Damon strides past images of humankind’s boldest explorers: ocean voyagers, early aeronauts, mountaineers in a new cryptocurrency ad. If this were an ad for a new drug, or a regulated financial product, you’d expect the images of boldness and bravery to be accompanied by a lengthy disclaimer. You don't. Find out more. Image credit Kanchanara via Unsplash
STATEMENT: Apple concedes to Right to Repair movement, reverses ban on selling parts to consumers
Apple reversed its longstanding policy against selling spare parts, providing repair instructions, and making repair software tools available to customers.
Biden’s executive order supporting Right to Repair should boost campaign in Maryland
BALTIMORE -- President Joe Biden signed a wide-ranging executive order Friday to “promote competition in the American economy.” The 72 different initiatives included an order calling on the “FTC (Federal Trade Commission) to issue rules against anti-competitive restrictions on using independent repair shops or doing DIY repairs of your own devices and equipment.” A fact sheet from the White House singles out cell phones and tractors as specific products subject to the order.
Statement: U.S. PIRG applauds President Biden’s proposed child benefit extension
President Joe Biden is moving in the right direction with a proposed an extension of the child tax credit as part of his “American Families Plan.” It’s about time that Congress corrects a historic failure to fully value the contribution of at-home caregiving.
We’re calling on the FTC to take action on Right to Repair
The FTC is due to report on repair restrictions, and we’re pressing for real action to follow.