If You Post It, They Will Come
Credit: John Hawkinson ‘98
When three robotics teams moved to different quarters in June, Edgerton Center instructor Steve Banzaert ‘98 had to clean out what was left behind in their old room in E60. So he posted a message to MIT’s reuse mailing list: “Entire room giveaway.” Two hours later, the room was packed with scavengers. In little more than 30 minutes, they removed thousands of pounds of stuff, including eight-inch tank treads, an entire robot, and a couch that professional movers had deemed too large to move. “Reuse is spectacularly efficient at getting rid of anything that could be vaguely useful to anyone,” says Banzaert. “What’s left would meet anybody’s definition of trash.” Banzaert’s only regret? That he didn’t record the event with a time-lapse camera.
Keep Reading
Most Popular

Why China is still obsessed with disinfecting everything
Most public health bodies dealing with covid have long since moved on from the idea of surface transmission. China’s didn’t—and that helps it control the narrative about the disease’s origins and danger.

Anti-aging drugs are being tested as a way to treat covid
Drugs that rejuvenate our immune systems and make us biologically younger could help protect us from the disease’s worst effects.

These materials were meant to revolutionize the solar industry. Why hasn’t it happened?
Perovskites are promising, but real-world conditions have held them back.

A quick guide to the most important AI law you’ve never heard of
The European Union is planning new legislation aimed at curbing the worst harms associated with artificial intelligence.
Stay connected

Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.