Making old things last longer - 6 Minute English

The world creates more than two billion tonnes of rubbish every year - shouldn't we start making it easier to fix objects and clothes rather than throw them away and buy new ones? Rob and Sam talk about companies in Sweden doing just that, and teach you vocabulary along the way.

This week's question:
The company was started by Rafi Mohammad, a student of Industrial Innovation at the University of Stockholm. But what was the inspiration behind Rafi’s idea? Was it:
a) he wanted to impress his girlfriend?
b) he was sick of breathing in the city’s car fumes?
c) he was late for his lecture because of a flat tyre?

Listen to the programme to find out the answer.

Vocabulary
a given
something that is assumed to be true or certain to happen

no-brainer
a decision that is very easy to make; an obvious choice

stuff
things, objects and personal possessions (informal)

peer effect
the positive or negative influence of peers and friends on the way you behave

foster
encourage the development and growth of ideas or feelings

be mainstream
be accepted as normal by most people

[Cover: Getty Images]

To download the audio and a transcript, go to:

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#bbclearningenglish​​​ #learnenglish​​​ #repairs #6minuteenglish #environment #consumism #consumer

[isabelrobi]

The simple fact of watching these videos it helps me a lot, greetings and thanks for sharing

[RicardoBelcha]

I normally repair everyting that's broken in my house. I have a lot of tools and I love to fix stuffs.

[tammytsang]

Fixing things is not only great for the environment but also beneficial for one’s financial management.

[chaimachaifaoui]

Thank you for this video . It was very useful because for me repairing old things helps you to build yourself also.
From Algeria.

[jessiv]

In Colombia 🇨🇴 fixing damaged stuff is the mainstream.
We fixed our broken appliances and we also tend to donate our clothes to younger relatives.

[meenukachand]

I mostly throw my damaged things instead of fixing but through this video I have learnt so much and I am going to implement in my life .

[ariaariaha]

Hi thank you these are really good for improving listening and interesting topics to learn about.

[englishchannel]

Every time I try to fix something, I pull up a youtube tutorial on how to do that, and in the video it's always nice and perfect... however when I try to do it myself it ends up being somewhat of a mess...😤😩

[franciscosavedrafrank]

It Really useful lesson, thank you so much BBC
Im from ANGOLA

[sseydi]

Greeting from sweden thanks about the topic u are giving us today guys. Scond i haven't any idea or information about Rafi as u mention it .I live in Stockholm Capital's of Sweden, i could contact with him and Will repair our bikes. Thanks a lot have a lovely weekend.🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🙏🙏🙏

[dreamnomad]

It was pretty useful, really awesome lessons. Everyone should enjoy this with pleasure ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️... ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️..

[hadiasghari]

I, lately, copy my parking remote control with helpful video from Youtube!

[duddkfahtsewon]

Oh Nudie jeans! I know. I bought 3 jeans there when I was a student haha

[luannguyen]

have a nice day, fixing old things really help reduce the waste of buying a new thing, but I think it is not good for business companies which want the consumer to buy more and more advanced one of their products every year :))

[ИгорьФёдоров-уь]

I'm sure, if repairing is more cheaper than acquiring new stuff all people wouldn't throw things away and would try reuse it.

[buianh]

I had an ip 5 for 6 years. So the Apple company will be sad when they hear that :v

[enitl]

I have a doubt, I don't understand why she says "my car wouldn't start" I learned that would was for past habits or future but here is used to talk about something in the past that isn't an habit why? Thank you in advance if someone can help me.

[zahraebratmand]

I dinn"t ynderstand without the paasage.please.teah by audieo anf vidieo

[meenukachand]

I mostly throw my damaged things instead of fixing but through this video I have learnt so much and I am going to implement in my life .