recyclemac

Jessica Snow receives her refurbished MacBook during the MRC's Monday Night Clinic.

MacRecycleClinic is a small group – with a collective big heart. We are all volunteers but like many who care, we put a lot of time and effort into what we do. We care about the environment and want to play a part – admittedly a small one – to help folks continue to get good service out of computers that others no longer want or need.

The fact that we only work with Macintosh computers is a benefit of the job. We’re also passionate about Apple products and from long experience, we know they will provide years of good service with just a little loving care.

So when Jessica Snow – a college student who cares deeply about the environment – came to us, we were happy to work with her. Jessica – a former blogger for the Examiner newspapers – needed something portable and easy to care for. A MacBook was the answer.

RecycleMac recently conducted an interview-by-email to talk about what Jessica is using her computer for and the projects she’s involved with.

1) Tell me about the projects you’re involved with

(I work with a volunteer group called) mOdprod that promotes environmental
sustainability with a focus on the field of art. We are planning to do
sustainable-living and leave no trace installations at a number of
local festivals this year, and we will probably do a number of
clean-up outreach activities in the area as well. In my personal time,
I still dedicate myself to “cleaning up” the earth… Whenever I go
out, I always make it a point to stop and pick up trash. Even if it is
only one piece of trash at each place that you visit…

2) The MacRecycleClinic donated a Mac laptop to you. What are you using it for?

I have been using the laptop for schoolwork and photo editing, as well
as a little social networking! I just finished writing an 8 page
thesis study on subliminal sensory manipulation in the media as means
of shaping consumer choices.

(Jessica says her digital camera is broken at the moment) When I am back up and running, I will be using the laptop for photo editing, both on a personal and volunteer
basis.

3) What is your philosophy about the environment? Why is it important to tell people about sustainability?

I think that it is very easy to get wrapped up in doomsday myths about the end of the world at the hands of global warming. While I am able to see and recognize the changes in the environment as we progress through time and space, I do not think that there is a need to panic.

However, this is the perfect opportunity to see how we have helped to impact our surroundings. Even if there is no way to reverse the global warming/cooling that is already in action, we can change our behaviors to be more compassionate and better suited to a healthy future. There are too many people that, out of sheer stubbornness, refuse to take responsibility for their actions and waste.

From a Humanistic perspective, this is a shame, because it keeps them from reaching
their true “essence” as a caring and compassionate being. From an environmental standpoint, this is a shame, because even people who don’t give an Eff about their external impact can enjoy clean air and water, and the beauty of a fresh-bloom’d field of flowers (untouched by the litter of plastic plastic plastic).

I think that it is important to tell people about sustainability, and continue telling them, because one day they may decide that they actually do care, and are willing to begin taking responsibility for the waste that has been created. I do hope eventually that there is no separation between “them” (the apathetic and uncaring people who continue to pollute out of sheer neglect) and “us” (the radical-minded, green lovin’ environmentalists). I will continue looking forward to that day.

4) How do you think your experiences will change your life?

I can not begin to think about how any of these experience will change
my life. I know that they continue to do so on a daily basis, and I
haven’t been disappointed yet.

5) Anything else?

I am honored and blessed to have been such amply gifted by the MRC, and I hope to continue doing work that makes you proud that you have supported me! Many, many blessings to all, and thank you again!