1820 Pandora Street
Vancouver, BC
V5L 1M5
604-879-GEEK (4335)
OPEN - Tues. ~ Sat.
11:00am - 6:00pm
CLOSED - Sun. Mon.
ewaste
Free Geek Vancouver Qualifies as First Canadian Non-profit e-Steward!
Free Geek qualifies as first Canadian non-profit to be recognized in ethical recycling program
~ No toxic e-Waste dumping in Canada or abroad ~
Finally, it will be easier for computer owners to find a responsible recycler who will not dump computer equipment in landfills, or ship it off to Asia to be dumped over there.
Frustrated with the lack of accountability in the computer recycling industry, Free Geek Vancouver, a community-run non-profit, has managed to qualify as an e-Steward by upholding the most rigourous international standard for social and environmental responsibility around -- the Electronic Recycler's Pledge of True Stewardship, designed by a global e-waste watchdog, the Basel Action Network (BAN). The founder of BAN and Free Geek representatives held a press conference today at their Vancouver facility.
Above: Jim Puckett (seated left) and Ifny Lachance address the press. Photo by David Repa.
"Most people are not aware that 50-80% of so called recyclers will export your old computer to countries like China where it will be managed in horrific nightmarish conditions, that are highly polluting and damaging to human health," said BAN's Jim Puckett. "The Canadian and US governments fail to properly control this toxic trade, and for that reason we created the e-Stewards initiative. It's not for the faint of heart. It's designed to be the most rigourous environmental and social justice criteria for electronics recycling in the world."
"It's hard for the public to know who to trust with their old computers-- this should help!" says Ifny Lachance, a coordinator at Free Geek Vancouver.
"This qualification means a lot to us because it can't be bought -- you have to earn it, you have to prove that you're not lying. Because it's so easy to abuse the system, we think all computer recyclers should be assumed guilty until they prove themselves innocent. That doesn't always make us popular with the competition," she continued.
Free Geek Vancouver is a nonprofit computer recycling and reuse centre, where the community can pitch in to help test, refurbish or dismantle unwanted computer equipment donated by the public. No experience is required, and volunteers receive free computers and workshops. FreeGeek supports its activities through a computer thrift store and recycling revenue.
Above: Volunteers dismantling computers destined for recycling at Free Geek. Photo by Ifny Lachance.
"Lots of folks are in desperate need of access to technology. So here is a perfect way to reduce waste; with a little know-how, our volunteers give unwanted computers a new life, and make them available to people and non-profits for free or very cheap," said David Repa, another coordinator at Free Geek. "This also reduces pollution from manufacturing of new computers, and gets everyone involved in being part of the solution, not the problem."
Electronic waste continues to be the most heavily traded toxic waste onthe planet. UN figures say 50 million tonnes of e-waste are generatedyearly. Canadians alone throw out 140,000 tons of equipment every year,the equivalent of about 5.6 million computers. Most of this materialthat is collected for "recycling" and "re-use" actually ends up dumped or burned in poor countries with few environmental or worker protections.
Left: This should not be called "re-use!" Electronic waste dumped in residential area just outside of Alaba market in Lagos, Nigeria. This e-waste is routinely burned here. Photo used with permission, © Basel Action Network. [More BAN photos here.]
Canada is a major illegal exporter of hazardous wastes, with smugglers and brokers outpacing enforcement officials. In 2006, during Canada's only enforcement effort to date, federal agencies seized 50 containers with 500,000 kg of ewaste at the Port of Vancouver; 27 Canadian companies settled out of court for about $2000 apiece; Ottawa still refuses to release their names. [read story]
Rather than loading your old computer onto a container ship for questionable destinations, Free Geek Vancouver contends that reuse is the highest form of recycling. The leftover material that must be scrapped stays almost entirely within Canada for processing, at facilities that verifiably do not export. A small amount of material is sent to other recyclers who can prove they abide by the Basel Convention. Free Geek itself takes the time to research recyclers before sending them anything, and expects them to be transparent as well.
A list of their recyclers is listed online for the public to see. Free Geek has always been open about their recyclers as a matter of course; additionally, their mailing list archive and meetings are open to the public. Part of the e-Steward qualification process involved BAN verifying that Free Geek Vancouver actually sends their materials to these recyclers as claimed.
"When we started, it was really hard to find recyclers who wanted to cooperate and put up with us; they're rare and it takes a lot of energy to find them and make sure they're for real. The work that BAN does with the e-Stewards program makes it easier for others to find the good guys," says Ifny.
"What have we learned? That secrecy and claims about 'trade secrets,' or even simple vagueness should set off warning bells -- not to mention that some recyclers just lie outright. You have to ask questions, dig deeper. Even re-use organisations can lie, saying they give the stuff to poor people or whatever, but everyone has to understand that no one is checking on them to see if it's true, or where they send their scrap. It should be mandatory for companies to provide names and bills of lading to a reputable third party, and to have real penalties for bad practices. It's harder for abuses to go on if we all try to watch out for each other, and share our resources."
Geek Press Conference @ 1820 Pandora, Tues Apr 29 at 10:00am
Submitted by ifny on Mon, 2008-04-28 16:05.Apr 29 2008 - 10:00
Apr 29 2008 - 13:28
Location(s)
OOh! What's this then?
WHAT: Press Conference, Q&A, Photo Opportunity, accordion
One of our favourite e-waste ninjas, Jim Puckett, possibly the world's leading expert on toxic trade, and founder of international ewaste watchdogBasel Action Network will be holding a press conference, along with our own Ifny Lachance and David Repa at Free Geek. There will be a Q&A and photo opportunities, including a tourof the Free Geek reuse/recycling depot and volunteer facility. Coffee and baked goodies, as well as a humane accordion serenade will be provided by Rowan Lipkovitz and a Creaking Plank.
WHEN: Tuesday April 29 - 10:00am
WHERE: Free Geek Vancouver, 1820 Pandora Street, Vancouver BC.
Pandora is between Hastings and Powell, and 1820 lies between Commercial
and Victoria. Media parking and entrance in rear. MAP:
http://freegeekvancouver.org/directions
Relevant Links:
http://ban.org
»
Free Geek @ Waste Not, Want Not - April 12 to June 15, Historic Stewart Farm in Surrey
Submitted by ifny on Wed, 2008-04-16 18:39.Apr 12 2008 - 12:00
Jun 15 2008 - 16:00
Location(s)
Waste Not, Want Not
A New Exhibit about New, Old & Innovative ways of Recycling Materials
Free Geek is being featured as part of the Waste Not, Want Not exhibit at the Historic Stewart Farm in Surrey. We are making history!
This exhibit will focus on the conceptof thrift and the origins of the 5-R's - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,Reclaim, & Reuse. The theme will be based on historical examplesfrom early farmers from the 1900's leading up to the present day. Youwill learn 50 ways to convert garbage to treasures, traditional methodsof composting and how technologies have changed in objects through theuse of wood, coal, oil to electricity and mass production. Specificexamples will be displayed using household goods, furnishing, everydaytools, textiles, clothing, toys, computers and much more.
April 12 - June 15, 2008
Open Saturdays & Sundays
12 noon - 4:00 pm and by appointment by calling 604-592-6956
at the Stewart Hall building, Historic Stewart Farm
13723 Crescent Road, Surrey
www.heritage.surrey.ca
More info:
Use it up! Wear it out! Make it do! This is the focus of the Historic Stewart Farm’s inspirational new exhibit “Waste Not, Want Not”, on display from April 12-June 15. The exhibit explores the concept of thrift and the origins of the 5 Rs – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Reclaim. Through 50 fascinating examples of facts, imagery, artifacts and handmade collectibles, visitors can learn about the history of waste from past civilizations, find out about the first community recycling programs in the 1890s, how farmers made do with the little they had, and lessons learned from the wars and consumerism into the 20th century .
Displays of household goods, furnishings, common tools, textiles, toys, art, computers and more help us discover how the waste we toss today compares to the waste that was thrown away by other civilizations. How long does it take an aluminum can to biodegrade? How do you get polar fleece from a plastic pop bottle? What fun can be had from inventing new things from old materials?
Discover different ways of converting garbage to treasure through the reuse of tin cans, scrap metal, old clothing, jars, paper, ceramics, and more. Find out about traditional and new methods of growing food, composting and how technologies have changed through the use of organic, synthetic and manufactured goods. Learn about the Top 10 most useful items for storage and items for kids. Explore the characteristics of materials such as wood, paper, bone, leather, plastic, tin and how technologies influenced mass production. Find out where you can take your old TV, computer, appliance, eyeglasses and pop cans.
On Saturday, April 19 from 12noon-4:00pm, the Where Does it Go? program will showcase various local recycling companies, including Free Geek, and provide answers to your questions about exactly where materials that we throw away finally end up (all ages, drop in, admission by donation). Ifny Lachance from Free Geek will be giving two informal talks during the afternoon about computer recycling.
On Saturday, May 10 from 1:00pm-2:30pm Blue Box Toys will give kids the opportunity to make amazing and unique toys from recyclable materials such as milk jugs and yogurt containers. Dr. Recycle will teach creative tricks to help kids learn how to reuse items that are often tossed out. Fee is $6/child (7-11 yrs). Please pre-register by calling 604-592-6956.
“Waste Not, Want Not” will be on display in Stewart Hall on Saturdays and Sundays from 12noon-4pm, or by appointment by calling 604-592-6956. The Historic Stewart Farm is located at 13723 Crescent Road in South Surrey. Suggested admission is $5/adult, $3.75 Students, $2/50/child & Youth, 5 & under free. For more information call 604-592-6956 or visit www.heritage.surrey.ca
»
Sarah Westervelt speaks at Vancouver at Free Geek Movie Night
E-waste guru Sarah Westervelt from the international watchdog Basel Action Network (BAN), was the guest speaker at our presentation of BAN's documentary films. Computer recycling has never been the same since BAN started their important work, and Sarah was happy to tell everyone why. More information on BAN films
The Creaking Planks played ethically recycled and reconstituted melodies. Favourites included the Tetris Suite for Lovers.
They also played Pomp & Circumstance for Free Geek's first graduate of the adoption program, Miro. He has earned his computer, and will be running the Czech version of Ubuntu (Linux).
A spirited discussion followed, with thoughtful comments, hard questions, and camraderie.
The event was sponsored by the Recycling Council of British Columbia (RCBC) and Free Geek.
Free Geek and Encorp Speak on The CBC
Ifny Lachance, a director of Free Geek, spoke with Malcom Harvey of Encorp on the CBC Early Edition Show. While Ifny agreed that the program is a positive development, she brought to the table some key concerns people in British Columbia have. To listen to the interview click here.
BAN responds to new BC E-waste plan
The Basel Action Network (B.A.N) has released an open letter to the editor, responding to an article recently published in the Richmond Review.
The article discusses the new provincial e-waste program that will come into effect Aug. 1st. B.A.N. asserts that their position was "misrepresented."
Sarah Westervelt, the author of the letter, will be coming to Vancouver on Aug. 2 to give a talk at SFU Harbour centre. [MORE INFO]
Below is the letter in its entirety:
Dear Editor,
Your July 14, 2007 article, Is new e-waste recycling program green enough? unfortunately misrepresented some of our thoughts and concerns about BCs new electronic waste program, while not properly explaining them. We are a Seattle-based global environmental group working to prevent the trade in toxic wastes to developing countries, and have become very active regarding e-waste recycling due to the massive amounts that are irresponsibly exported off-shore.
We applaud British Columbias efforts to collect and responsibly recycle electronic waste. This difficult waste stream is complex and full of toxins, and many countries simply export it to developing countries, where it is having horrific impacts on human health and the environment, in many cases. Our understanding of the BC program is that it will not allow these toxic materials to be exported, which we whole-heartedly support.
However, there are other ways to be irresponsible, and we are concerned that equipment collected by the program will not be made available for reuse, refurbishment, and re-purposing, and furthermore, the entire e-waste stream may possibly go straight to metal smelters. This latter practice is not supportable as it fails to maximize the longevity of used electronics, and also fails to reclaim the maximum amount of recyclable plastics. At the same time, highly toxic dioxins and furans can be created as a result of burning the plastics, not to mention the greenhouse gases exacerbating climate change.
Instead, as a first priority, unwanted electronics should be directed to the reuse market, and remarketed after diligent repair, testing and labeling. Then the remaining end-of-life equipment that cannot be repaired or reused should be manually or mechanically separated into the various recyclable fractions, instead of simply throwing whole equipment directly into a smelter. Smelters are absolutely necessary for the recovery of metals but it is not appropriate to throw plastics in the mix simply because one can, even when energy is recovered. The argument that the plastics help supply fuel for the smelter does not justify this practice given the very low heat value from this source combined with the emissions of toxic substances and green-house gases. Even though most toxic emissions are captured in modern facilities, there are always hazardous waste residues remaining when processing toxic materials.
Finally, British Columbia has chosen a financing mechanism, an advanced recycling fee, which will provide funding to properly manage the e-waste, but unfortunately will not place the responsibility primarily on electronic manufacturers for the impacts of the entire life cycle of their products, as is now practiced in Europe. Thus, the BC system will not provide manufacturers with an economic incentive to phase out toxins and design their products for easy recycling. The ultimate solution to this problematic waste stream is to redesign products with safer materials, and manufacturers are best positioned to accomplish this if they have to own their products when they become waste! We hope this clarifies our position regarding our concerns over the BC Electronic waste recycling legislation.
Sarah Westervelt
e-Waste Project Coordinator
Basel Action Network
122 S. Jackson St., Suite 320
Seattle, WA 98104
206 652-5555
www.ban.org
Radio Public Service Announcement
One of our volunteers, Jack collaborated with an audio production artist at Simon Fraser University to create an awesome radio public service announcement for Free Geek! Check it out on CITR, CJSF and Coop Radio, or help distribute it to your favorite podcast or radio station.
FG at Global Habitat Festival, Sat. July 7, 12-9pm
Submitted by ifny on Tue, 2007-07-03 20:14.Jul 7 2007 - 12:00
Jul 7 2007 - 21:00
Location(s)
Global Habitat Festival
Sat July 7 - all day - Robson Square (across Robson St. from the Vancouver Art Gallery)
Free Geek will have a Geek Booth at the Festival in Robson Square (across Robson St. from the Vancouver Art Gallery).
**We need lots of volunteers, and so does the Festival; If you can help, please contact Ifny at ifny[AT]freegeekvancouver.org or 604-690-7372. Volunteer shifts are 5 hours long, anytime between 7:30am-midnight. **
Our Principles
We provide a place for people to share technology, and to work together building healthier, more empowered communities. We want to see transparency, accountability, and sustainability become the norm in our industry and in our neighbourhoods. International organisations like the Basel Action Network help determine how best we may lead by example.OUR MISSION STATEMENT: Free Geek is a not for profit community organisation that recycles used technology to provide computers, education, internet access and job skills training to those in need, in exchange for community service. Free Geek Vancouver is the first operation of its kind in Canada, and is entirely locally owned and operated. There are nine other autonomous Free Geeks in the U.S.; all Free Geeks have some things in common. In order to be affiliated with the Free Geek family, we follow the following principles:
- We dispose of equipment in an ethical and environmentally responsible manner. We're a reuse and recycling center; a large part of our mission is environmental. We prioritize the fate of equipment this way:
- REUSE: We think reuse is often the most conserving form of recycling. It usually involves less energy expenditure and potential pollutants that arise during manufacturing and transport. It also reduces consumption and the harvest of virgin materials.
- RECYCLING REGIONALLY and ETHICALLY: We recycle as locally as possible, so that we can hold those recyclers accountable, and so that fuel is not wasted in transport. We prefer to recycle in BC when we can, and we don't want to send materials outside Canada or the US. These countries' environmental restrictions and worker protections tend to hold recyclers more responsible than recyclers in poorer countries. We absolutely refuse to send materials to a non-OECD country, in accordance with the Basel Convention. As a last resort for materials that cannot be recycled locally, we might send equipment to OECD countries, only using recyclers that can document sustainable processes. This sort of thought process and accountability - evaluating options and choosing the one that's the least harmful (and the most helpful) for people and the environment - is important to us.
- We use Free/Open Source Software wherever possible, and promote the Free Software philosophy in other ways, such as transparent collaboration with others. The free software philosophy, with its emphasis on mutual assistance and freedom, is important to what we are; all of our software, documentation, and policies are open to whoever wants to avoid reinventing the wheels we've made.
- Provide low- and no-cost computer technology and training to our community. We believe that empowering people is an essential part of equipping them. Rather than just dropping free hardware on folks, we want to educate them, and facilitate their self-sufficiency. We also want to involve them in creating a community where they can circulate their knowledge and empower others.
- Our mission statement is in concordance with the original Free Geek Mission Statement.
Additionally, in order to use the Free Geek name and join the Intergalactic Federation of Free Geeks, we've agreed to the Principles for Official Free Geeks:
- Free Geeks are democratically run in a non-hierarchical way that is open and transparent to all participants in its programs. Our volunteers help shape Free Geek and determine our priorities and practices. We operate using a form of consensus, and we are currently developing our governance structure. Our meetings and mailing list archives are open to the public. Our staff is a collective -- there's no boss.
- We are a non-profit business (as legally defined in BC), following honest business practices and having the stated goal of advancing the common good. We registered as a non-profit society on Dec. 6, 2006.
'Secrecy is the badge of fraud' -- Sir John Chadwick (b. 1941), British judge
