Hoverboards: From Trash to Treasure

Dive into the world of Garbatrage where Cornell's brightest minds turn e-waste nightmares into prototyping dreams! Ilan Mandel and Wendy Ju challenge the norm, transforming discarded hoverboards into innovative trash robots. Their award-nominated research not only tackles global e-waste issues but also champions sustainability in design. Ready to see how yesterday’s tech junk becomes tomorrow’s treasure? Uncover the magic of repurposing with a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of environmental consciousness. Your hoverboard's second life awaits!

Turning Trash into Treasure

Imagine a world where old gadgets don't just gather dust in drawers or end up in landfills, but instead become the building blocks for new, innovative projects. This is the essence of "garbatrage," a clever approach to repurposing electronic waste (e-waste) that not only champions sustainability but also sparks creativity in design and prototyping. For you, this means looking at your old electronics not as junk, but as a treasure trove of parts for your next big idea. The significance of garbatrage stretches globally, addressing the pressing issue of e-waste, which amounts to millions of metric tons each year, with only a fraction being properly recycled. By reimagining the lifecycle of electronic devices, garbatrage not only reduces environmental harm but also offers a cost-effective solution for innovators and creators like you, who can lead the charge in making more sustainable choices in technology and design.