The impact of restrictions imposed by tech giants on independent repair shops, such as the Fix Hut in Portland, Oregon, has been significant. These small businesses often face obstacles in acquiring original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, provided exclusively by companies like Apple. As a result, they are forced to decline repairs or resort to less reliable aftermarket components. According to Travis Bruce, director of operations at the Fix Hut, around 5 to 10 percent of potential repairs are turned down due to the unavailability of official parts for newer devices like the iPhone 15.
Furthermore, the policy of serialization, which requires devices to authenticate the genuineness of each part, further worsens the situation. This not only creates difficulties in carrying out repairs but also drives up costs for consumers who are left with no option but to purchase new devices instead of getting their existing ones fixed. Additionally, this practice poses a significant environmental threat, as less than a quarter of e-waste is recycled, contributing to global pollution and posing health risks.
However, the recent implementation of right-to-repair legislation, exemplified by the bill passed in Oregon, aims to change this landscape. Manufacturers of tech devices are now required to provide consumers and independent repair shops with the necessary tools, parts, and information for device repair. These laws intend to reduce e-waste and make technology ownership more sustainable and cost-effective.
Supporting right-to-repair laws not only addresses the issue of electronic waste but also empowers small businesses by enabling them to serve customers without unnecessary restrictions. It signifies a shift towards a more sustainable and inclusive technological future where devices have longer lifespans, and repair skills and resources are readily accessible to all. Ultimately, this fosters a healthier environment and economy.
By advocating for right-to-repair legislation, we not only contribute to the reduction of electronic waste but also promote the growth of small businesses. Together, we can embrace a more sustainable approach to technology and create a future where repairability and resource accessibility are prioritized, benefitting both our planet and our economy.
以下是根据文章主题和信息提供的常见问题解答（FAQ）部分:
问题1：为什么独立修理店面对限制？
答：像俄勒冈州波特兰市的Fix Hut这样的独立修理店面对技术巨头的限制。这些小型企业往往在获取原始设备制造商（OEM）零部件方面面临困难，这些零部件只由像苹果这样的公司提供。因此，他们被迫拒绝维修或使用不太可靠的市场售后零部件。根据Fix Hut的运营总监Travis Bruce的说法，由于无法获得像iPhone 15这样的新设备的官方零部件，大约5%至10%的潜在维修需求被拒绝。
问题2：什么是发货政策？
答：发货政策要求设备验证每个部件的真实性，这进一步加剧了情况的恶化。这不仅给维修工作带来了困难，还使消费者的成本上升，他们不得不购买新设备而不是维修现有设备。此外，这种做法对环境构成了重大威胁，因为不到四分之一的电子废物得到回收处理，导致全球污染和健康风险。
问题3：最近的立法如何改变这种情况？
答：像俄勒冈州通过的法案所示，最近的维修权立法旨在改变这种局面。科技设备制造商现在需要向消费者和独立修理店提供必要的工具、零部件和维修信息。这些法律旨在减少电子废物，使科技设备的拥有更加可持续和经济实惠。
问题4：支持维修权立法有什么好处？
答：支持维修权法律不仅解决了电子废物问题，还使小型企业能够为顾客提供服务而没有不必要的限制。它标志着迈向一个更可持续和包容的技术未来，其中设备的使用寿命更长，修复技能和资源对所有人都易于获取。最终，这将促进更健康的环境和经济发展。
相关链接：iFixit（https://www.ifixit.com/）
通过支持维修权立法，我们不仅为减少电子废物贡献了力量，还促进了小型企业的发展。我们可以共同拥抱更可持续的技术方式，创造一个注重可修复性和资源可获得性的未来，使我们的星球和经济都受益。