lending tech: digital inclusion and reducing e-waste

Posted on September 27, 2022Comments Off on lending tech: digital inclusion and reducing e-waste

There’s far too much electronic stuff being thrown away:

SolarPunk and e-waste – doing it locally – Sidmouth Solarpunk

We can get arty about it:

art from electrical waste – Sidmouth Solarpunk

And we can get really thoughtful – with another project from Hubbub:

How a tech lending scheme will boost digital inclusion and reduce electronic waste

pioneering tech lending schemes providing refurbished tablets and data to people who need them.

The tablets will help people improve their digital skills, access essential services such as healthcare appointments, apply for jobs and much more.

These lending schemes are focused on promoting digital inclusion, but by giving a second life to used tech they have another benefit: highlighting opportunities to reduce the growing mountain of e-waste through thoughtful repurposing of devices.

Connecting social and environmental issues

This is part of the context behind Virgin Media O2’s Better Connections Plan, which includes a goal to help people carry out 10 million circular actions by the end of 2025 – from sustainably recycling devices to sending back old kit and donating unwanted smartphones and tablets to people who need them. One of the interesting things about this plan is that while ‘Circular Economy’ and ‘Connected Communities’ are two separate pillars, Virgin Media O2 is finding ways to act on them together, as the Tech Lending Community Fund demonstrates.

How a tech lending scheme will boost digital inclusion and reduce electronic waste | Hubbub Foundation

Comments Off on lending tech: digital inclusion and reducing e-waste