Since their launch in 2016, Edinburgh Remakery has found great success in rebuilding, reusing and rehoming pre-loved tech, furniture and textiles. As well as reselling repaired items, they are partnered with 114 businesses across Scotland who donate their outdated gadgets to be recycled or gifted to people living in digital poverty.

‘We’re getting people to understand that buying refurbished tech is a great thing for the planet, but it’s also a great thing for your pocket,’ says Elaine Brown, CEO of the recycling trailblazer. ‘Our tech hardware is all about educating people that buying a second-hand computer is not second best. It’s actually economically and environmentally sound. And in doing so, you’re supporting a social enterprise that can help donate to people who couldn’t even afford to buy a second-hand piece of kit.’

The Remakery’s several community projects, including donation drop-boxes for old technology, can be found dotted around Edinburgh in schools and other community spaces. These collaborations have grown Brown’s business exponentially in the past couple of years. In February, they officially outgrew their small store on Leith Walk and moved into a new space in Ocean Terminal. The company also received a Queen’s Award (one of just 13 Scottish organisations to do so this year) for being a leading enterprise in sustainable development.

‘Every day, we see that doing good feels good. And achieving awards such as the Queen’s Award is just the icing on the cake,’ Brown beams. ‘It really shows that what we are doing resonates in the business world. And it’s appreciated and recognised. So we feel that we’re kind of trailblazers now in all things repair and reuse.’

Edinburgh Remakery plans to continue to grow their sustainable, community-driven work through regular school visits and workshops where they teach practical skills like sewing and IT, so we can all do a little to reduce waste.

‘We need to raise more awareness because we’re a very consumer-driven society,’ insists Brown. ‘Kids are often just fascinated because they don’t normally think, “how is this computer being made?” And when they see it, they’re amazed that it would go into landfill. The other day, I had it all laid out and somebody said, “it’s like a mini city”. And I said, “wouldn’t it be terrible to put this city in the bin?” We really want people to think long and hard: do they actually have to go and press the “buy new” button? Or could they come into the Remakery and get it repaired? If it’s beyond repair, can they donate it and then buy refurbished?’

With consumers becoming more and more conscious of their purchasing habits, Brown’s goal may just be in reach. ‘People are suddenly getting it. We’ve always been there, we’ve always seen it. But suddenly people are coming along with us.’

Edinburgh Remakery, Ocean Terminal, Ocean Drive, Edinburgh, edinburghremakery.org.uk