We talked at the Nesta Hot Topics session on how “open data” can help us use things for longer, and have a better idea of how they are recycled at end of life.
Design
Sustainable design: focus on gadget longevity
We spoke at the Indie Tech Summit in July. Our message: the same attention we dedicate to privacy, we need to dedicate to a more sustainable use of technology.
Exploring our e-waste: opening gadgets and learning about disposal
We hosted a very fast, two hour exploration of electronic waste at the Open Knowledge Festival. While we owe much of the growth of “Open Knowledge” to physical networks, hardware and electronics, we often ignore its material aspects and the consequences.
How to grow a circular economy
Recently, we contributed to the Environmental Audit Committee’s ongoing inquiry on Growing a Circular Economy – our evidence follows below. Thanks to Lara Houston for her work on this document.
Energy, emissions and our gadgets
Apple is in PR blitz mode, promoting green initiatives. Yet there is nothing to suggest that Apple is addressing reduction of carbon emissions at manufacture, which according to their own data is the overwhelming majority.
Let’s give repair a chance!
Post originally published on the blog of Resource Conference, a free event on the circular economy. In conversations on the circular economy, especially related to electronics, we often feel that repair is little more than an afterthought. Yet, extending the lifespan of an existing device provides tangible benefits: it reduces waste management costs as well as […]
Guest post: Getting smart with a Genius
This guest post is written by Restart Volunteer Coordinator David Mery. About a year ago, my sister in law got a free iPhone 5 from her network. She had no use for it, so she gave it to me. Recently I noticed a couple of problems: the top power switch is becoming harder to operate, […]
Keeping tabs on tablets
We were delighted to help BBC Journalist LJ Rich fix her iPad last month, a saga which airs this weekend on BBC Click. Her story of over 8 hours of concentration, disappointment and suspense communicates how hard our sleek, beloved tablets are to repair.