Most people don’t want to see the inside of their computers, because that normally means that something went wrong. Some people crack them open for fun, just to see how they work. Others, like Michelle McLaughlin, open up old broken down computers and put the insides to good use.
Many of us know the traditional green color of a motherboard, but one day Michelle stumbled on a computer and found out that there is a rainbow of colors behind the plastic exterior. Michelle turns the motherboards into unique jewelry. Put one of these on and head to a party … they start the conversation. Everyone wants to get close and see all the intricate details.
Michelle’s part of a creative movement called “upcycling,” the process of not just reusing (recycling), but making something of better quality or for better environmental value.
Dead and discarded computers are considered “e-waste,” DoSomething.org shares these facts about e-waste:
- E-waste represents 2% of America’s trash in landfills, but it equals 70% of overall toxic waste.
- 20 to 50 million metric tons of e-waste are disposed worldwide every year. Cell phones and other electronic items contain high amounts of precious metals like gold or silver.
- Americans dump phones containing over $60 million in gold/silver every year.
So, think of it this way, when you buy Motherboard Jewelry, you’re doing a little something to help save the world and make our environment better.
Call, email, or visit the Gallery and anyone of our team members can show you these beauties.
Note: The original title of this blog was changed on September 24th, 2016.
