Giving Appliances a Second Life Tramforms Lives in Latvia and Ukraine

In an inspiring demonstration of sustainable living and social responsibility, over 135 refurbished electrical appliances recently found new homes with Ukrainian and Latvian families in need. This heartwarming initiative is the result of a collaboration between Eco Baltia vide‘s “Lab!” repair shop, the Lidl Latvija retail network, and the charitable association “Tavi draugi”.

“Lab!” Repair Shop: Giving New Life To Old Appliances

The “Lab!” repair shop, launched in February as part of the LIFE project, has already given more than 700 electrical appliances a second chance. This innovative program focuses on repairing, instead of discarding, electrical equipment, demonstrating that sustainable practices can be both environmentally friendly and socially impactful.

More Than Just Appliances: Practical Support for Families in Need

“Workshop ‘Lab!’ has proven that electrical appliances can be given new life, allowing them to last longer, while helping those who need it most. Contrary to other things that often end up in landfills, electrical engineering in most cases ends up in landfills due to easily repairable defects. It is a great pleasure that, with the creativity of our employees, we can return really good electrical engineering to repeated circulation, which will be able to please other users for several more years. It shows that sustainable use of resources can go hand in hand with compassion and social responsibility. Thank you to everyone who supports this initiative and helps us create not only a greener, but also a more sensitive world together,” emphasizes Jānis Aizbalts, chairman of the board of “Eco Baltia vide”.

The donated items include a diverse range of essential household goods – small kitchen appliances, repair tools, other household appliances, and helpful garden tools. Recognizing the unique needs of seniors, the donation also included repaired medical equipment such as hearing amplifiers and blood pressure measuring devices. These appliances will significantly improve the quality of life for families facing duress.

Collaboration for a Better Future

“As a company that actively advocates for sustainability and responsible use of resources, we especially appreciate the opportunity to cooperate with “Eco Baltia vide” within the framework of this important initiative. By donating more than 135 refurbished electrical appliances to Tavi draugi society, we not only promote environmental protection, but also provide practical support to people who need it the most right now. We are pleased with the opportunity to continue the successful cooperation with the association “Tavi draugi” for several years and jointly implement projects that have a positive impact on both the environment and society. This is an excellent example of how sustainable solutions can create a real positive impact,” says Antra Birzule, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Lidl Latvija.

“The recirculation of refurbished electrical appliances has a significant added value – it wisely saves resources and at the same time it is an opportunity to improve the quality of life of those fellow human beings who do not have the opportunity to buy the very necessary appliances themselves. The association “Tavi draugi” is grateful for the opportunity to receive the donated devices, which will be appreciated by Latvians and Ukrainians in difficulties, both here and in Ukraine, where we will deliver some of the devices,” says Beāte Bēvalde, representative of the association “Tavi draugi”.

* LIFE integrated project “Waste as resources in Latvia – Promotion of regional sustainability and circulation by introducing the concept of using waste as resources” (LIFE WasteTo Resources IP, LIFE20 IPE/LV/000014) is implemented with the financial support of the LIFE program of the European Union and the State Regional Development Agency .

What ‌are some ‌examples of the types of appliances that‌ are repaired and given ​a second life by the “Lab!” ​repair shop?

##⁤ Giving ​Appliances a Second Life: Interview with Jānis Aizbalts

**Host:** Welcome ⁤to the show, Jānis. You’ve spearheaded an incredible initiative re-purposing appliances for those in need in Latvia and Ukraine. Can ⁢you tell our viewers a little bit about it?

**Jānis Aizbalts:** Absolutely. We launched the “Lab!” repair shop earlier this year as part of the LIFE project. Essentially, we take discarded electrical appliances, repair them, and give them a new lease on life, instead of seeing them end ‍up in landfills.

**Host:** That’s amazing! It’s not only environmentally friendly but also socially impactful.

**Jānis:** Exactly! We’ve already repaired over 700 appliances, ranging from kitchen tools to ⁤medical equipment.

**Host:**⁤ That’s remarkable. ⁣ What kind of Liz impact has this had on families?

**Jānis:** I ‌think ⁤it’s incredibly powerful. We’ve witnessed firsthand how⁢ these appliances are not just ​objects, but lifelines for families facing hardship. Things like hearing amplifiers and blood pressure monitors ⁣can truly improve quality of life, ⁣especially for seniors.

**Host:** The collaboration between Eco Baltia ⁤vide,⁣ Lidl Latvija, and “Tavi draugi” sounds like‌ a true ⁣example of community ‌working together.

**Jānis:** We’re incredibly grateful for our partners. Their support allows ⁣us to expand our​ reach and‌ help even more people. This project demonstrates that sustainable

living and social responsibility can go hand in hand. We’re​ building a greener and more compassionate world together.