Pete Forsyth

“ An older computer running Windows 95 might be sluggish and expensive to maintain. But replace Windows with the free Linux system, and it can feel like new again. Free Geek breathes new life into computer equipment that probably would otherwise end up in a landfill. ”

“ If all goes well, Wikipedia will be healthy, and its community of volunteers will continue to make it ever more accurate, ever more comprehensive, and ever more accessible to new readers and new contributors. ”

“ If organizations like Free Geek can slow the flow of unsorted garbage, Ugandans will be more able to focus their attention on productive things, learning to use tech to its fullest potential. Assisting with education, where possible, is important as well. ”

“ While the Open Source Development Lab works on improving free open-source software for the benefit of Fortune 500 companies, open-source software such as Linux remains a mystery to millions of home computer users. ”

“ Most of the e-waste Free Geek receives has value and can be sold, either as scrap or after being refurbished into working systems. But some is hazardous, has no value for reuse, and costs money to dispose of properly. ”

“ In Free Geek’s unique program, not only are old computers revived, but people who otherwise couldn’t afford them receive the computers free and are trained to use them by computer experts who donate their time. ”

“ Free Geek founder Oso Martin advocates a different approach. Ideally, makers of computers and electronics would provide funding for responsible disposal at the end of their products' life cycle. Sponsorship of local grassroots organizations like Free Geek would solve the e-waste problem in the communities where these type of efforts were put forth. Unfortunately, companies have little incentive to take this approach, and have failed to take the lead in developing this kind of program. ”

“ In its five year history, Free Geek has developed and honed methods to process both treasure and junk responsibly and efficiently. The goal is to get the best possible use out of every kind of donated item. ”

“ The high price tag of the present resolution reflects an escalating state of emergency that results when basic workplace maintenance goes by the wayside. This facility — a cornerstone of our well-beloved parks system — deserves an upgrade that will ensure effective parks maintenance for generations to come. ”

“ One hundred and fifty miles from camp, he encountered one last stranded vehicle. Its driver, a North Dakota resident presumably unaffiliated with Standing Rock, was likely more sympathetic to the pipeline business than to the protesters. But Fergus wasn't worried about political differences. A fellow citizen was in need. Fergus was equipped to help out, and so he did.
Two decades after his encounter with the Navajo hitchhiker, Fergus says he has found a way to take action in alignment with his beliefs and values. ”

“ Whoever fills Sue's shoes needs to "get" us, as she has. She needs to know how to filter out the bull hockey we will surely send her way, and see her way through to the wisdom we possess. That helps us remember we are in this together. ”

“ A greenhouse recently expanded lies largely unused. Horticultural workers, with extensive knowledge of how to keep plants thriving in PP&R’s various locations, have been laid off in favor of outsourced contracts. ”

“ With his team forming, Fergus focused on identifying the most useful supplies, to maximize the impact of his visit.
"I wanted to be sure that whatever I brought out would actually help," he says.
Information about what is needed can be scarce and sometimes contradictory, and many people have sent supplies without first researching what is necessary.
"It's not an opportunity to clean out the closet. If it's not for arctic survival, don't send it," says Wendi Anderson, a Milwaukie resident who staffed the donations tent. ”

“ Free Geek currently lacks the resources or the knowledge to plan and carry out delivery of working PCs overseas. But when Gulu University and the Beaverton Rotary Club approached Free Geek about donating computers to the Uganda university, they were glad to help. ”

“ Set aside an hour or so, and poke around Wikipedia. Get a feel for how it works. What's that "Talk" tab all about, or "View history?" You might just find those links tell you more than the article they're connected to – who created it, what they've been arguing about. Maybe you'll notice some really good work on an article you care about. Maybe you'll even figure out how to say "thanks." If you do, you'll make a Wikipedian's day.
Pete Forsyth, a Wikipedia volunteer since 2006, teaches the free online course "Writing Wikipedia Articles," and runsWiki Strategies. ”

“ Yet this modest man, with more than 30 years on the job, performs most of his work outside, shielded from the rain by only a small awning. The yard’s carpentry shop, responsible for moving large pieces of lumber as it maintains park equipment for the entire city, has only 8-foot ceilings and lacks a loading dock. ”

“ Five years ago, Free Geek's unpaid founding members struggled to come up with rent; today, Free Geek has 12 paid employees, operates in a 15,000 square foot facility, and has hundreds of volunteers who process over 40 tons of e-waste per month. ”

“ She noticed an overabundance of items like cotton clothing (which does not dry out easily) , gloves and scarves that are not insulated or waterproof, "fancy or dressy" items, knit hats, and orphaned gloves, boots and socks that had not been attached in pairs prior to donation. ”

“ Sidebar Every day, Free Geek provides a great service to third world nations by providing...well, a whole lot of nothing. The less Portland garbage that ends up in places like Lagos and Uganda, the better. ”

“ Processing these donated monitors represents one of Free Geek's highest expenses, and so it is the one area where donators are required to pay a fee. Dropping off a monitor at Free Geek — whether it's working or not — costs $10. Sometimes donors are put off, especially when dropping off a working monitor. But they generally come around once they learn about the dangers of lead and the challenge of disposing of it safely. ”

“ This e-waste is similar to what BAN reported is shipped to places like Lagos: piles of worthless (and potentially dangerous) junk, but also a few treasures, and a reasonable amount of junk that can be turned into treasure with a moderate amount of work. ”