Latest news with #communityProjects
Fox News
07-07-2025
- Fox News
Old smartphones are being turned into tiny data centers
Did you know that over 1.2 billion smartphones are produced every year? Most of these devices end up in landfills, contributing to the growing global e-waste crisis. But what if there was a smarter, greener way to use them? Researchers are now showing us that old smartphones as data centers could be the next big thing in sustainable tech. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my A team at the University of Tartu Institute of Computer Science in Northern Europe's Estonia has found a creative way to give outdated phones a new purpose. Instead of letting them gather dust or pollute the environment, these phones are being repurposed into tiny data centers. By connecting old smartphones together, the team enables them to efficiently process and store data for research and community projects, an innovative idea with significant impact. Turning old smartphones into data centers is surprisingly affordable. Researchers removed the batteries (to prevent chemical leaks) and used external power sources. They then connected the phones, placed them in 3D-printed holders, and created a working prototype. These mini-data centers have already been tested in real-world scenarios, like monitoring marine life underwater tasks that would normally require expensive equipment. Every phone that gets a second life as a data center means fewer toxic materials in landfills and less demand for new electronics. This approach not only reduces e-waste but also saves valuable resources and cuts down on CO₂ emissions from manufacturing. By extending the life of our devices, we're taking a big step toward a more sustainable future. Before tossing out your old phone, consider donating it to organizations that upcycle electronics. Your device could help power the next wave of sustainable tech solutions. Together, we can keep our landfills cleaner and support innovative research, all by rethinking what we do with our old smartphones. Giving old smartphones a second chance as data centers is a simple way we can all help reduce e-waste and support sustainable tech. Imagine the positive impact if more people embraced old smartphones as data centers instead of sending them to landfills. Would you consider turning your unused phone into something that powers research or helps your community? Let us know by writing to us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Cumbrian charity offering £100 prizes for community-led projects
A Cumbrian charity wants to shine a spotlight on the success of community-led projects. ACTion with Communities in Cumbria (ACT) is inviting groups and volunteers behind more than 200 schemes to share their stories. Lorrainne Smyth, chief executive of ACT, said: "Our charity has been operating in a support role since 1948 and knows that highlighting projects encourages others to consider similar work in their local area. "This is a celebration of what can happen when people come together for the common good. "We want these powerful local voices to be heard and to help communicate their journeys, determination and creativity in bringing ideas to fruition. "Following a two-year campaign, Greystoke has managed to secure a regular bus service to travel through the village, designed and delivered by the people who live there. "The challenge is now to get passengers onboard. "Bus committee meetings are held – on the bus!" ACT is calling for submissions of up to 300 words, with a £100 prize available for the first entry drawn in each of five categories. The charity can also help groups prepare their submissions. Ms Smyth said: "Lots of people are doing great things. "We support them in the background so they can be more effective and more sustainable, involving more people with less worry. Projects supported by ACT include parish-led plans in Ireby, Cockermouth and Eaglesfield. Other schemes include affordable housing and village hall improvements in Levens, and warm hub schemes in West Cumbria. Ms Smyth said: "We are urging organisations to come forward to tell us in 300 words about their work. "We can even help write submissions. "The first one drawn in each category gets a £100 prize and we look forward to sharing their stories." For more information, visit or email info@
