VIDEO: NYC Swap Meet Machine
Photo: Swap-O-Matic
We’ve seen some pretty crazy “reverse vending” ideas recently: machines that recycle light bulbs, charge cars and even pay you for your iPhone. But how about a machine that helps you freecycle?
Swap-O-Matic, a New York City-based vending machine project, is doing just that with a machine that allows users to donate, receive and swap items for free.
Lina Fenequito, the primary designer and creator of the machine, said she hopes to promote the three Rs and show users that swapping can be just as fun as buying new.
Swappers simply register with an email address and receive three freecycling “credits” automatically. Donating an item earns additional credits, which can be redeemed for other items in the machine using a touchscreen interface.
The Swap-O-Matic has traveled to several locations across New York over the past year, including the Lower East Side Girls Club and and Parsons The New School for Design, where Fenequito earner her master’s degree and now teaches.
Check out the video below for a closer look at the unconventional vending machine, or head to its current location – the Ample Hills Creamery in Brooklyn – to see it for yourself.
Swap-o-matic – Promotional Video #1 from Lina Fenequito on Vimeo.
Janeth Turner Reeves
posted on January 26th, 2012 at 12:48 am
Nawal Sekkat
posted on January 26th, 2012 at 4:45 am