A poem from my printer

It's broken? Bin it.

That's often the first reaction when something we own gets old, no longer works or we just want the latest version. This throwaway culture is adding to the growing issue of electronic waste, with our tech ending up in landfill rather than being repaired, regifted or recycled.

But what if our tech could speak to us? Would we think twice about throwing it away? My very old, very well-used, printer finally seems to be beyond repair and I'm taking it to the recycling centre this week.

Here's what I think it would say...

Sadly the day has come.
Cheers to a good print run.
The inks no longer touching the sides.
The first sign of my demise.

Birthday cards, invoices, passport scans,
The ultimate companion, to life admin fans.
Eating paper everyday, chewing it up fast,
No wonder we’re not build to last.

Now the time is near,
I’m headed for the recycling centre I fear,
Better than the bin, the tip, the scrap heap,
So, let’s enjoy one last print run before the final
beep.

Looking to buy and throwaway less stuff? Check out the Library of Things who are on a mission to encourage sharing in our towns and cities.

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I’m Michelle. A multidisciplinary graphic designer passionate about creating positive change. Follow me on LinkedIn for more musings on design, creativity and inspiring action.