Anyone can refurbish their own laptops

La Rebooterie is an NGO based in Toulouse whose mission is to help individuals learn about computers — including how to repair and refurbish hardware on their own. Several days a week, they run the Zero Euro PC initiative. Over the course of two three-hour workshops, participants learn how to refurbish a computer, install a Linux operating system, and at the end of the process, they get to take the computer home — it becomes theirs to keep.

These workshops serve several purposes. First, they promote repair over the purchase of new devices, which is especially valuable for people with limited income. Second, they aim to build participants' autonomy when facing hardware issues, while fostering mutual support and knowledge sharing. Finally, by offering these workshops regularly and free of charge, the project responds to growing public demand and helps raise awareness about the environmental issues surrounding electronic waste.