In celebration of Earth Day – the annual day of environmental education and activism – a technology drive was organized by MERA – The Association for Sustainable Manufacturing. Similar to a food drive, the initiative provides an opportunity for MERA members to contribute to the local community. “Circular Drive” also celebrates the positive role of remanufacturing on the environment and in the circular economy.
Leading up to Earth Day – April 22 – a variety of unwanted, outdated, or non-functional technology devices were donated by employees of MERA member companies around the Metro Detroit area. MERA staff collected and delivered these items to Human-I-T, a non-profit organization that refurbishes devices and makes them available to members of the community who need it the most.
Participating MERA members included Daimler Trucks’ Detroit manufacturing facility and ZF Group, which set up donation sites at three Metro Detroit facilities. MERA also partnered with the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA) to collect items from the office building in Michigan where the organizations are co-located. Items collected included desktop computers, laptops, phones, monitors, tablets, and printers.
“Just like MERA members, Human-I-T helps the environment by reducing landfill waste and remanufacturing items to give them a second life,” said MERA President John Chalifoux. “We were overwhelmed by the positive response to our first Circular Drive and its contribution to shrinking the digital divide in our community.”
Click here to view a short video about MERA’s “Circular Drive.”
