Users empowered to repair and recycle electronic devices
Wednesday, December 9, 2015 - 10:34:33
A new trend is gaining traction in the UK. Communities of experts and amateurs alike are joining forces in various cities to deal with damaged electronics and make the most of unwanted tech, in an effort to reduce the burden that e-waste places on the nation’s environment and infrastructure, according to the Guardian.
As recently as 2010 there were only around 9 ‘makerspaces’ nationwide - venues designed to help people uncover the skills required to craft, build and repair across a variety of disciplines. In the past five years, this movement has blossomed so that there are now 97 such outlets in places including Sheffield and Bristol, with underlying principles including the idea that anyone should be able to alter and repair the devices they own.
Many manufacturers have attempted to stifle home repairs in recent years, with the likes of Apple being especially guilty of creating items which effectively become redundant after a year or two and, thus, need upgrading. And people are dissuaded not only from tinkering with the hardware, but also altering the software on smartphones without breaching legislation.
Experts argue that the current state of the tech market means that vast amounts of e-waste are being generated unnecessarily, with devices being sent to the dump even if there is plenty of life left in them. And by giving users the skills to repair damaged devices and make use of components from items which cannot be salvaged, fewer electronics end up in landfill sites.
As well as enabling people to learn about electronics and other specialisms, these makerspaces are also about developing solid communities and encouraging people to engage with one another, in a way that will help local areas across the country to come together in a productive and enlightening manner.
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