Sustainability is not just about carbon or CO2, it is also about the sustainable use of the planet's finite mineral and material resources. The availability, affordability and sustainable of supply of a number of important chemical elements used in high technology electronics means that there is a growing need to reduce, reuse and recycle technology such as mobile phones. A sustainable future for mass-produced high technology products will only be possible with an increased public understanding of the environmental, economic and ethical issues associated with the use of strategically important elements such as gold, platinum, indium and the rare earths.
'What's in My Stuff?' is an interdisciplinary research project which brings together science and art with the aim of raising awareness about the materials contained within some of the objects we own. We have combined the deconstruction and materials analysis approach (the science) with the creative arts approach by making jewellery inspired by the analysis of the components of the mobile phones. This talk communicates our early experiences of combining science and art as a way of enlightening the public on the subject. The ultimate aim is to allow the "informed and concerned consumer" to influence the future use of the planets resources.
'What's in My Stuff?' is an interdisciplinary research project which brings together science and art with the aim of raising awareness about the materials contained within some of the objects we own. We have combined the deconstruction and materials analysis approach (the science) with the creative arts approach by making jewellery inspired by the analysis of the components of the mobile phones. This talk communicates our early experiences of combining science and art as a way of enlightening the public on the subject. The ultimate aim is to allow the "informed and concerned consumer" to influence the future use of the planets resources.
