Each year students from Isanti County’s 4-H program are tasked with coming up with service projects.
This year, one Cambridge-Isanti senior has found a way to use his project to benefit not only Cambridge, but folks in the Twin Cities as well.
Mitch Fedwa, who has been involved with 4-H projects for about six years now, has started an e-Waste recycling project to donate to Free Geek in Minneapolis.
Free Geek is a volunteer driven donation center in Minneapolis. According to their website, their two main areas of focus are “the digital divide” and electronic waste (e-Waste).
The digital divide refers to people who do not have access to computers or the Internet. The volunteers at Free Geek are taught how to use computers, and in the end will earn a computer of their own.
The world we live in is driven by technology, and over the years, communities have created a lot of e-Waste. Free Geek takes this waste, and reuses the materials to create the new computers that are given to the volunteers.
Fedwa first thought of the idea after he and group of friends visited Free Geek.
“I just thought that there is nothing like this around here, and it could be useful,” he added.
Fedwa understands the importance of Internet access, and what it can mean for people struggling to find work.
“There are a lot of people who never have access to computers, or the Internet. I think that it is important for them to learn,” he said.
The e-Waste recycling bin (for the collection of old computers, batteries, etc.) will be located at the Cambridge Public Library for anyone who would like to donate. All donations will be sent to Free Geek in Minneapolis.
Fedwa will be presenting the project at the Minnesota State Fair. He will have a poster explaining his project in the 4-H building. The Minnesota State Fair starts on Aug. 24 and runs through Sept. 4.
To learn more about Free Geek or to volunteer, visit freegeektwincities.org.