Episode 63 – ThinkGeek and Re-purposing Electronics

This week we talk with Shane Peterman, PR Manager at ThinkGeek.com.  In March, ThinkGeek introduced “Take These Broken Things“, a program where they were thinking* about sending boxes of broken stuff to deserving groups (like a school technology lab or a FIRST Robotics team).

 

We talk with Shane about the program, re-purposing electronics, and about the products available at ThinkGeek.com.

*After the interview was conducted, ThinkGeek announced an update to the program on their blog:

So. You guys are kinda into broken things, apparently. The little form below has logged 1,930 requests to date, so we know the interest is there and we’re giving this program a shot. In fact, we’ve sent out some already but it will take time to work through the list. We’re giving priority to groups–especially those that work with children or for educational, community reasons…

Links:

• ThinkGeek.com
• ThinkGeek Blog
• Take These Broken Things Program and Sign-up
• 2011 April Fools Items from ThinkGeek
• Think Geek Chocolate Bunny Zombies and TaunTaun Sleeping Bag
• Lab Out Loud April Fools: 2010, 2011
• Make Magazine
• EPA eCycling
• Gadget Trade-in and Recycling Programs That Pay

Brian’s Science Teacher Gift Recommendations from ThinkGeek:

• Periodic Table Refrigerator Magnets, Periodic Table Building Blocks, Periodic Table Shower Curtain
• Lab Science Cookie Cutters & Good Chemistry Salt and Pepper Shaker
• Laboratory Beaker Mug
• Giant Plush Microbes
• Radiometer
• Evolving Darwin Playset
• T-Shirts: Molar Mole t-shirt, Darwin’s Finches t-shirt, Ferrous Wheel t-shirt
• Books: Hungry Scientist Handbook, Why’s There Antifreeze in Your Toothpaste Book, 50 Dangerous Things Book

Featured Image: Actual dumpster divers at old ThinkGeek offices

Direct download: LOL63.mp3