Omniva and the technology recycling company GreenDice have started a collaboration. As part of their first joint project, well-maintained IT devices from Omniva will be provided to kindergartens, libraries, youth centers, and community centers in Võru municipality. In total, 24 laptops and 29 desktop computer sets will be circulated in the new cycle.
According to Kristi Unt, a member of Omniva’s board, it is important for the company to contribute to ensuring that IT technical opportunities reach as many people in Estonia as possible, while also measuring the environmental footprint of the company’s IT devices and ensuring ways to reduce it. “Collaboration with GreenDice helps us get closer to both goals: our high-quality devices find new life where they are truly needed. It also gives us a clear picture of the environmental impact of different devices and helps us reduce it,” said Kristi Unt.
Argo Alaniit, the CEO of GreenDice, emphasizes the significance of improving the IT capabilities of institutions in Võru municipality. “I am from Võru myself, and I spent my childhood in the village of Räpo, where there was no internet connection. As the world of computers fascinated me the most, I spent my free time in public internet points or libraries, where I could use a computer for an hour at a time. It was the computer that provided me with opportunities to learn, develop, and engage in entrepreneurship. Therefore, I feel that the presence of quality IT capabilities in rural areas is of symbolic importance,” said Alaniit.
Karl Kuningas, the IT specialist of Võru Municipality Government, mentions that small places require extra attention. “As the number of students decreases in rural areas, it becomes increasingly difficult to find the necessary resources. That’s why we are particularly delighted that Orava School-Kindergarten received a computer class with 15 laptops through the help of Omniva and GreenDice. Libraries are community centers where people can seek assistance. Many people do not have their own computers at home and they use public internet points for making payments or reading news. High-quality and fast devices encourage both young and old to use computers more,” said Kuningas.
Technology has a significant environmental impact, and that is why it is important to know where devices end up after use. GreenDice has established a technology cycle where the entire life cycle of a product can be tracked from beginning to end. Devices that no longer create value are directed towards material recycling.
Well-maintained devices from the companies find new users through the GreenDice community, which can be joined for as little as 5.9 euros per month, and joining guarantees access to well-functioning IT equipment. Each community member plays an important role in reducing the environmental impact of the joined companies’ IT devices. Currently, 230 companies in Estonia have already joined GreenDice.
