ELECTRIC power to two of the stages at this year’s Logan Eco Action Festival (LEAF) at the Logan campus of Griffith University, Meadowbrook, will be supplied by batteries saved from laptop computers.
Substation33 which runs programs for local kids and in the process rejuvenates waste items for reuse will provide 1500 linked laptop batteries to power amplifiers and speakers at the event which starts on May 23.
Substation33 founder Tony Sharp said solar panels will be used to push energy into the batteries to provide the power.
“All the power we’re supplying will be off the grid, totally coming from recycled items,” Mr Sharp said.
The group will also provide its solar-powered coffee trailer to the event with coffee supplied by Slacks Creek operation Extraction Artisan Coffee.
Substation33, based in Kingston was established in January 2013 as an electronic waste recycling centre providing a workplace where volunteers and employees gain confidence and skills for the transition to sustainable employment.
“Its purpose is to provide training and employment opportunities through the recycling of electronic waste,” Mr Sharp said.
“We have designed and developed a number of products for commercial, social and educational purposes.”
They include flooded road smart warning signs, electric e bikes, 3D printers and a vertical garden monitoring system.
“The projects provide an opportunity for up-cycling and e-waste diversion from land-fill which has environmental benefits,” Mr Sharp said.
Substation33 facilitates and skills development and transfer between professional mentors and volunteers, students and people seeking to return to the workforce, which provides social and economic benefits to the community.
“We offer alternative options for electronic waste using the principles of circular economy,” Mr Sharp said.
“That process empowers people to develop employment skills in a supportive workplace.”
Substation33 will be accepting no longer needed electronics at LEAF – old computers and other devices end up in landfill.
As part of its initiatives Substation33 is involved in electronic waste collection and processing, waste audits to international standards, work experience activities, return to work placements, community service placements, NDIS group activities, work for the dole activities, internships as well as product design prototyping and manufacturing.
The festival is from 9am until 3pm Sunday May 23.
