How much we consume also affects our environment. To conserve our resources and also save CO2 emissions during transportation and production, try to repair broken items. In Austria there is a subsidy for the repair of electronic devices, the repair bonus. Find out more here: www.reparaturbonus.at (available in German only)
The Repair Café, an initiative of the “Tiroler Bildungsforum”, helps to give objects a longer life. Volunteer experts help to repair broken appliances such as defective toasters or even torn items of clothing at events held throughout Tyrol. You can find out when the next Repair Café in your area is taking place here: repaircafe-tirol.at/?id=2 (available in German only)
If repairs are unfortunately no longer possible, prefer local stores and avoid traditional online shopping (e.g. Amazon). It is better to buy used items than new ones. There are various online platforms for this in Austria, e.g. www.willhaben.at (available in German only) or www.refurbed.at (available in German only) for electronic devices.
Borrowing is also a great way to save money and do something good for the environment. This is particularly ideal for items that are not needed often or for exchange students.
If your stay in Innsbruck is over and you have items that you don't want to take with you, there are online communities such as “Innsbruck verschenkt” or local charity organizations. The Re-USE Network Tyrol “noamal” supports waste avoidance. This online platform makes it possible to search and find various re-use events, such as swapping, donating, lending or upcycling events. Find a suitable event for you here: www.noamol.at (available in German only)
The collection points of the Wams association are also located throughout Tyrol. All kinds of items such as tableware, small items of furniture, clothing or decorative items can be handed in there. www.wams.at/sammelstellen (available in German only)
The charitable organisation Ho&Ruck is also a grateful recipient of used furniture. horuck.at (available in German only)
If you would like to take part in Tyrolean winter sports, there is an annual ski bazaar in the Olympiaworld Innsbruck, where you will find a large selection of 2nd-hand winter sports products, among other things. www.skiboerse.info/en