Every year, millions of tonnes of plastic waste end up in the Mediterranean Sea, making it one of the most polluted seas in the world. This accumulation affects public health, damages the environment and threatens biodiversity. In the South Region, it is estimated that at least 150,000 tonnes of plastic, tyre and composite waste are generated each year.
As part of its commitment to reducing plastic waste, the municipality of Sanary-sur-Mer has signed the regional ‘Zero Plastic Waste’ charter and the national ‘Plastic-Free Beaches’ charter. Its action plan, centred on raising awareness, prevention and recycling, includes, in particular, the creation of a Repair Café within the municipal FabLab. This space promotes the repair of everyday items rather than their replacement, encourages the sharing of skills and mutual support, combats planned obsolescence and raises public awareness of more responsible consumption, thereby contributing to the development of the circular economy and the reduction of waste, particularly plastic and electronic waste.
The integration of a Repair Café within the local FabLab serves as a key driver for encouraging behavioural change, particularly with regard to the responsible use of plastics. By offering workshops on diagnostics, repairs and an introduction to electronics, as well as a collection point for items to be repaired or recycled, it promotes waste reduction, particularly of plastics and electronic waste. Aimed at local residents, families, people who are isolated or unemployed, as well as FabLab volunteers, the project draws on the technical skills of its teams and a network of local partners to share expertise, support social inclusion and promote more responsible consumption.
