Posted: January 27, 2011
Filed under: Grants, News

When technical meltdowns and computer failures were threatening to stop the show at Northwest Children’s Theater, the company applied for a hardware grant from Free Geek.  Since May of 2010, Free Geek has helped the Theater replace its aging hardware by donating 17 computers and 1 laptop.

“Before we met Free Geek we were sharing a few, very overworked, very outdated PC’s,” writes Nick Fenster, Development Associate,  “Crashes, freezes and complete system meltdowns were daily occurrences. Your grants have greatly increased our capacity to produce, promote and distribute content to our students, families, and staff. Our office is now consistent and efficient. Hours that were once spent wrestling with broken machinery can now be spent achieving our mission: To educate, entertain and enrich the lives of young audiences.”

Northwest Children’s Theater opens the third show of its 2010-2011 Season, Robin Hood, on Friday.  For more information, check out: http://www.nwcts.org.

Posted: November 17, 2010
Filed under: Grants, News

At the last minute, when things at Free Geek were crazy and Orycon was just about to start, we were able to grant them a bunch of systems, some monitors, a couple of printers and a few network devices. Phew! That was close. Orycon is an awesome, annual sci-fi con showcasing all that is excellent from the field – movies, comics, gaming, and most importantly – COOL COSTUMES!

Posted: September 30, 2010
Filed under: Grants, News

On September 29th we granted 3 systems and some extra RAM to our local Portland OASIS, an organization that provides learning opportunities for adults aged 50 and older. Check out the link if you would like to get involved and participate in any of the classes they have to offer!

Posted: September 15, 2010
Filed under: Events, News, Press Releases

This October, Free Geek will be celebrating the conclusion of their first successful decade by coming out of our geeky shells to throw a party recognizing all the people and organizations in the Portland community who have helped create a culture where Free Geek would thrive.

The celebration, on October 2nd at the Bossanova Ballroom (722 E Burnside), will feature local reuse partner Junk to Funk in a recycled fashion show, along with high energy dancing and music from The Beauty, geek-turned dance-party-performance-band Dat’r, and Holocene regular DJ Ted Thieman. Read on for more info about the awesomeness that will be Free Geek’s 10th Anniversary Celebration.

Trashion Show!

Junk to Funk is a collective that inspires individuals towards responsible consumerism, creative re-use and conscientious disposal by providing unique fashion based entertainment and educational opportunities. Junk to Funk will be performing a trashion show, followed by the models hanging out with the crowd and dancing.

And more!

• DIY Geek-sessory table hosted by SCRAP. Make a statement with your own reuseful fashion accoutrement!
• Full Bar
• Pool Tables
• Photobooth fun!
• A visual history of the evolution of Free Geek
• Door prizes!

Tickets

Tickets are available here and will be sold at the door. Please note that the ticket price is a suggested donation. It’s more important to us to have you share this day with us, so give what you can at the door if a pre-paid $10 ticket is beyond your budget. Can’t attend the party, but want to give a donation in place? Click here!

Posted: June 9, 2009
Filed under: Events, News, Press Releases

Free Geek is teaming up with the Community Warehouse, The ReBuilding Center, The Habitat ReStore, SCRAP and Schoolhouse Supplies to promote ReUse Week! Read More…

Posted: May 13, 2009
Filed under: News

If you submitted a web-form to us anytime between April 27th and May 9, we did not receive it due to a technical glitch Read More…

Posted: March 7, 2009
Filed under: News

Well, here it is. It only took a couple-few years to get here, but we’re ready to roll out our brand new site. Thanks to everyone who contributed their time and skills to make it so. (And a special thanks to the fine folks from slashdot.org that helped us stress test the site after going live. We’re back now.)
Read More…

Posted: January 2, 2009
Filed under: News

Oregon E-Cycles
Free Geek is participating in Oregon E-Cycles, a convenient way for Oregon residents to responsibly recycle their computers (including laptops), monitors, and televisions.
Read More…

Posted: September 26, 2008
Filed under: Media Coverage

Jacob Fain spoke to Practical E-commerce on behalf of Free Geek to encourage the use of open-source office software. Read Jacob’s comments and learn about some great, open-source alternatives to Microsoft Office, here.

Posted: August 14, 2008
Filed under: Media Coverage

July 28, 2008
Local Corpus Christi, Texas news channel 6 encourages its viewers to know the dangers of throwing away electronics. They also point viewers towards environmentally-responsible recipients for their e-waste, including Free Geek. Read the story here.

Posted: June 6, 2008
Filed under: Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 9, 2008

Commissioner Dan Saltzman & Mayor Potter will introduce a resolution to ensure that computer systems which are no longer needed by the City are refurbished for use by community members, next Wednesday, June 11th.

To accomplish this goal the City will partner with the local non-profit Free Geek. Free Geek is a 501(c)(3) not for profit community organization that refurbishes and recycles used computers, offers computer education, internet access and job skills training to those in need in exchange for community service.
Read More…

Posted: June 6, 2008
Filed under: Media Coverage

Read More…

Posted: June 6, 2008
Filed under: Media Coverage

June 6, 2008
The Oregonian reported today on the Portland City Council resolution to send the city’s office computers to Free Geek. Previously, the City was giving its computers to a private company. Up to 1,000 more computers per year will grace Free Geek’s facility, thanks to the agreement, which was sponsored by City Commissioner Dan Saltzman. In return, Free Geek will develop an outreach plan to Portland students who need computers.

The article, entitled “Deal creates new homes for Portland’s old PCs”, and was written by Mike Rogoway.

Posted: May 28, 2008
Filed under: Media Coverage

April 16, 2008
Eat your greens: Ask questions first, recycle computers Saturday in Portland and Vancouver details how Free Geek will partner with 1-800-GOT-JUNK to responsibly recycle e-waste this Earth Day.

Posted: May 28, 2008
Filed under: Media Coverage

April 22, 2008
The Portland Water Bureau recommends that you bring your unwanted electronics to Free Geek.

Posted: May 28, 2008
Filed under: Media Coverage

April 24, 2008
The Green Life, The Sierra Club‘s online blog, posted a short interview with staff member Jeff Robinson. The post’s entitled “Trendsetter”. That’s us!

Posted: May 28, 2008
Filed under: Media Coverage

April 24, 2008
Someone at the Linux Journal knows us! And likes us, even! They posted this article in response to high praise from a reader.

Posted: May 28, 2008
Filed under: Media Coverage

May 6, 2008
ITManagement.com encouraged its readers to recycle e-waste responsibly in Amy Hengst’s article The Hidden Risk of Recycling. The article mentions Basel Action Network, the ACCRC (computer recycling non-profit in California), and Free Geek.

Posted: May 28, 2008
Filed under: News

January, 2008 High-Tech Trash features information about the global and national e-waste trade, and the human and environmental damage that’s possible with the mishandling of e-waste.

Posted: May 28, 2008
Filed under: News

RECYCLE YOUR IPOD AT FREE GEEK
January 8, 2008 Portland Tribune, Sustainable Life feature Don’t toss that old iPod in the trash encourages readers to give their iPods to Free Geek for reuse, not just recycling.