PIRG’s 2024 highlights
Five highlights of how our advocacy and action in 2024 helped make society healthier, safer and more sustainable, and the marketplace a little more honest and transparent for consumers.
Right to repair
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 Right to repair
Statement: FTC announces suit against John Deere for allegedly monopolizing repair
Peloton and other companies should stop charging secondhand fees and undermining product ownership
Updates
The true cost of consumerism is an absurd amount of waste
FTC, responding to PIRG and Consumer Reports letter, finds most smart products fail to disclose expiration dates
Right to Repair hits the battlefield
Featured Resources
What is Right to Repair?
John Deere and Right to Repair over the years
What do you do with e-waste?
Right to Repair celebrates gains with “Repair Independence Day”
Thank you for your hard work, I'm a monthly donor and every bit of it matters. How you handle my money is exactly why I support you.Elizabeth Stackel, member
How you handle my money is exactly why I support you.
Consumers statewide and nationwide deserve to have quality, long-lasting products, but when those products don’t last or get damaged, it can be extremely expensive and inconvenient to replace them.Scott Bendett, New York Assemblyman
New York Assemblyman Scott Bendett
Repair scores provide a simple, reliable way to know what we are paying for before we buy expensive electronics.Julie von Haefen, North Carolina Representative
North Carolina Representative Julie von Haefen
I support right to repair scores because they empower consumers with crucial information on the repairability of products before purchase, enhancing market transparency and reducing electronic waste. As the FTC's 'Nixing the Fix' report highlights, the lack of accessible repair information perpetuates a market imbalance, disadvantaging consumers. Implementing a national voluntary repair score, akin to EnergyGuide labels, will guide consumers towards more sustainable and economical choices, while also promoting local business opportunities and sustainable product designs.Janice Marchman, Colorado Senator
Colorado Senator Janice Marchman
I’m pleased to encourage the FTC to continue to expand the information consumers have about the reliability and repairability of the electronic products they buy which empowers them to make more knowledgeable decisions, both financially and for the environment.Marian Matthews, New Mexico Representative
New Mexico Representative Marian Matthews
The Latest
Type
Bellingham repair shop FiXCO recognized for helping community
The Bellingham community rallies support for their last independent phone & computer repair shop, FiXCO.
Five new laws to reduce waste and toxics going into effect in Oregon in 2025
The new year brings with it new protections for the health, safety and well being for Oregonians.
RELEASE: In new year, new laws will reduce waste and toxics in Oregon
On January 1st, 2025, several policies go into effect in Oregon that will protect public health, reduce waste, improve recycling and keep electronic devices in use for longer.
Where can I dispose of electronic waste in New York?
What to do with your old phone and other electronic waste in New York, with location information for NYC, Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo and Long Island.
Buy Now!: How to help break the shopping waste cycle
The amount of products created, sold and thrown away is alarming, highlighted by the new Netflix documentary “Buy Now!” Here’s what you can do.