With the eyes of the world on Scotland as the host of COP26, more Edinburgh-based organisations are taking significant steps not only to reduce their own business carbon emissions, but to make it easier for their patrons and team members to make positive changes.
Two of these establishments, Leith based social enterprise Edinburgh Remakery, that has been taking in end-of-life IT equipment since 2016, and the Filmhouse are working together to provide a simple and convenient way for members of the public to pass on their old IT equipment using a uniquely designed Donation Box.
These Donation Boxes have been designed specifically for people to drop in old electronic devices – including laptops, smart phones, and tablets – whilst preventing them from being damaged in the process to ensure as many devices as possible can be repaired and reused.
To ensure security, The Edinburgh Remakery technicians use a US Government Department of Defence approved algorithm to securely wipe any data from donated equipment to ensure all data is destroyed and is non-retrievable, giving added peace of mind to donors.
This partnership with the West End Filmhouse will make it easier for members of the public outwith Leith to drop-off their old electronics in the conveniently placed Donation Box in Filmhouse foyer.
Edinburgh Remakery CEO Elaine Brown said “Electronics have become somewhat of a disposable commodity in our society, to the point where many of us have old devices lying around that we just don’t know what to do with. Electronic waste is also incredibly damaging to the environment, and people can be concerned about the security of their personal data, therefore disposing of old devices safely becomes very problematic….
“… A portion will also be used to train members of our community in valuable IT repair skills, targeting primarily those further from the job market to boost valuable employability skills as well as confidence. Tackling waste and social inequalities in one. A win for people and planet.”
This partnership will have a significant positive impact on the environment by reducing electronic waste as well as benefiting the wider community in tackling digital inequalities. The Edinburgh Remakery has committed to use 25% of the reusable devices that are donated to them in this way to benefit the community, gifting them to disadvantaged individuals and families across Edinburgh who are experiencing financial hardship and need assistance to get online and access essential support services.
The project will be launched in conjunction with the EIFF Youth Eco-Weekender event at Edinburgh Filmhouse that takes place over Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th November and explores the climate crisis on film.
The event will feature a selection of curated short films from the Film Access Scotland’s Climate Challenge: 1.5 Degrees Films project, including a captioned screening of the eco-film The Day After Tomorrow.
On Sunday, a captioned screening of the Gerard Butler film Geostorm will be introduced by EIFF Young Climate Activists and features a Q&A. Both screenings will be BSL-supported and all are priced at just £2.
Tickets are available from www.filmhousecinema.com or can be picked up in person or booked by phone on 0131 228 2688.
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 