Hey all! My name is Gabriel Tufte, and for the past month I have been working with Maria at Clean Water Action on electronics reuse as a part of my sustainability class at the University of Minnesota. I recently repaired one of my electronics for the first time, and I wanted to share that experience with all of you.
A couple of months ago, the plastic on the right side of my trusted Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones cracked and broke. While the headphones still worked, they no longer fit properly and kept slipping off my right ear. I was extremely upset—these headphones go everywhere with me. Music motivates me through studying, workouts, and daily routines, so losing them felt like a major disruption.
My first instinct was to just buy a new pair. But with the original price around $400, I hesitated. I didn’t want to take such a big hit to my wallet. After doing some research, I came across uBreakiFix, a small electronics repair business located on Lake Street in Minneapolis. I decided to take a chance and see if they could help.
As soon as I stepped foot into the store, the workers were ready to help, and they were extremely positive about the repair, reassuring me that everything was going to be okay for my headphones. Turns out, repair was an option—and it was the best decision I could have made.
The repair took about two weeks and cost $150, far less than buying a new pair. Though it required more patience than just immediately ordering new ones, the headphones now work perfectly, and I saved more than half the cost of replacement. I'm thrilled to have them back, especially because their noise-canceling feature is a game-changer when I’m at the gym, library, or coffee shop.
But this experience taught me something beyond just saving money. By choosing to repair instead of replace, I made a more sustainable choice that helped reduce electronic waste.
According to the Public Interest Research Group, the U.S. generates about 8 million tons of e-waste each year. When improperly disposed of, electronics leak harmful substances like mercury and lead into the soil and water. These toxic metals can contaminate irrigation systems, harm farmland, and disrupt ecosystems. Simply tossing broken electronics contributes to a much larger environmental issue.
By repairing my headphones, I kept one more device out of the waste stream—and extended the life of something I love and use daily.
Repairing and reusing electronics isn’t just financially smart—it’s environmentally responsible. It conserves natural resources, reduces pollution from manufacturing, and supports local businesses that provide skilled jobs in our communities.
Founded in 2009, uBreakiFix began as a single repair shop and has since grown to over 900 locations across the United States. The company specializes in fixing a wide range of devices, including phones, tablets, computers, and gaming consoles. Each location offers free diagnostics, transparent pricing, and a warranty-backed repair, so customers know exactly what to expect before committing to a fix. Despite being part of the larger Asurion family, individual uBreakiFix stores maintain a local, small-business feel, serving their communities with personalized care and hands-on service.
Beyond convenience, uBreakiFix plays an important role in reducing electronic waste. Instead of just replacing broken tech, the company encourages repair and reuse, helping extend the lifespan of devices that might otherwise end up in landfills. Many locations also provide recycling programs, which ensures that the parts and components are properly handled and don’t release harmful substances into the environment.
uBreakiFix shows that sustainability and technology don’t have to be at odds. By offering affordable, professional repair options and educating customers about responsible electronics care, they empower people to make smarter, greener choices. Whether it’s fixing a cracked screen, a damaged port, or a pair of broken headphones, companies like uBreakiFix helps give technology—and the planet—a second chance.
