In Parkdale, community members are teaming up to repurpose old tech, making it accessible for everyone and reducing waste.
Toronto: Parkdale is buzzing with community spirit. Local groups like the Parkdale Land Trust and Parkdale People’s Economy are all about building a strong neighborhood from the ground up.
At the corner of Sudbury and Abell streets, there’s a cool initiative called Free Geek Toronto. They’re all about helping folks reuse technology. Their motto? Turning old devices into new opportunities.
Ryan Fukunaga, the executive director, points out that many people toss out their gadgets way too soon. Free Geek is on a mission to change that by giving unwanted tech a second life, helping to close the digital gap.
He explains that while some might need the latest and greatest, many others can still benefit from older computers. What’s outdated for one person can be a treasure for another.
Free Geek has a walk-in store where you can drop off your old tech. They refurbish it and sell it at prices that won’t break the bank, helping local folks and organizations like Parkdale Project Read.
Mary Brehaut from Parkdale Project Read highlights how crucial this service is. Many in the community struggle to access digital resources, and Free Geek is stepping up to fill that gap.
Last year, Toronto dealt with a whopping 684 tonnes of electronic waste. That’s a lot of tech going to waste!
Right across from Free Geek is Creative Reuse Toronto, a hub for learning about sustainability. The two organizations work hand in hand, directing people to the right resources based on their needs.
Alicia Grimes from Creative Reuse Toronto emphasizes the importance of repairing and reusing. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about being mindful of our consumption habits.
And here’s some exciting news: Last October, Canada’s Senate passed the Right to Repair bill. This means people can fix their tech themselves, making repairs easier and promoting a culture of reuse.
Fukunaga believes this bill will make it simpler to get the parts and tools needed for repairs, which is a win for everyone.
