by Francesca Morra
In this period of crisis, economic hardship and environmental problems, is it right to continue to maintain our consumption habits and continue to produce communications technology? The project Restart seeks to bring this issue in the way of life and to encourage a more responsible - and inexpensive – consumption of electronics.
The Restart Project was created and developed by Ugo Vallauri and Janet Gunter, community members of ICT4D (information and communication technologies for development) in London: "at the moment our main activity is to raise awareness online, especially on Twitter, - tells us Ugo Vallauri - and then organize "real events" in London. These events are called Restart Parties, attended by volunteers with technical skills - people who know how to adjust everything (printers, computers, mobile phones, tablets, as well as stereo, lights, etc..) and who wants to help his countrymen to adjust. And if it possible, to share a little of their skills and teach them to others." Photos of these events can be found on the official Facebook page.
The activities of this project does not stop there, in fact they are trying to create a map by entering all the shops of artisans who adjust electronic products to help people find more easily the right person, who does not ask inflated figures to make the repairs. They also intend to extend short-term events, and create training opportunities (courses, etc.) that help people to have greater self-sufficiency with the products they have purchased.
“We believe that there is much to do, such as to avoid the tendency to throw away, and at best to recycle properly, products that could easily have a second and third life. – said Ugo - The biggest problem is the change of attitude. Although we must consider and reject the design of products that makes them difficult and expensive to repair. From the environmental point of view, we believe that the best contribution we can make is to reduce what is considered as waste: recycling is important but even more important is to understand that many of the materials used in electronic products are rare, often the result of conflict, and so we must have more attention to their life cycle. Reducing waste means extend the life of the products we use. In each of our events generally avoid that at least 5kg of potential electronic waste."
How not to be infected with this enthusiasm?
On the official website of the project, on Twitter and Facebook you can find many other ideas and news about the activities of our compatriot in London.
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