DigiShift 71: making digital greener: device reuse and digital inclusion

Delivering digital services, and getting people online often means getting hold of more devices and laptops. This can present an environmental challenge, as producing and disposing of devices has a significant impact on the environment. For example, 80% of the lifetime carbon emissions of a smartphone are produced before you unbox it. So adding a few years to the life of a device can significantly reduce this impact.

Even better, refurbishing and reusing devices can enable people to get online while reducing waste to landfill. Supporting device reuse can also enable digital inclusion organisations to help more people to get online with a limited budget.

In this DigiShift, we'll hear from Martina Johnston-Gray and Elaine Brown. They'll share their experience of scaling up device reuse in different settings, and they'll highlight the benefits of making it easier for people and organisations to reuse and repurpose devices.

Martina Johnston-Gray has worked in the third and public sector for 25 years, as a frontline worker, manager , tutor, trainer, and volunteer. Threading through all the work is a passion for social justice, providing space for citizens and communities to reclaim the power that is rightfully theirs and in making sure that those people whose voices are easier to ignore are heard and recognised.

At the start of the pandemic members came to the network to say that the people they worked with didn't have digital devices and/or access to the internet and mot support services were moving online. Martina started an IT recycling project, where the project takes unwanted IT equipment, laptops, PC's tablets & phones, digital wipes them & offers them to those in need. In May 23, the project hit a significant milestone, having donated 1000 digital devices. The project is now also focusing on the e-waste aspect of IT recycling, making it as easy as possible for individuals, organisations & companies to donate unwanted equipment.

She is passionate about sharing her experience of running the project and is happy to share what she's learned through trial and error.

Elaine Brown is Chief Executive Officer at Edinburgh Remakery. The Edinburgh Remakery is an award-winning environmental social enterprise based in Leith, North Edinburgh. Founded in 2012, their mission is to put an end to waste by providing people and communities with the skills and opportunities to live more sustainably

Elaine was previously Chief Operating Officer for Bright Green Business – Scotland’s number one provider of Environmental Internships. She worked with businesses throughout Scotland to engage them in circular economy practices and help them to grow their businesses by improving their environmental sustainability. She also brings with her over 23 years experience of project management within a number of local authorities.

This Digishift is for anyone that creates, delivers or supports third sector policy or frontline services.