One person's trash was my treasure. It was in The Iron Library where I found parts to make my first solar phone charger.

The ferro-velho, or junkyard, is not scary, just quiet. A ferro-velho feels like a library where the books are made of steel and wire. It smells of old oil and sun-warmed iron. Once you stop seeing trash and start seeing potential, the fear disappears. It’s where I learned that everything broken is just waiting for a second life. This is a perfect place to start for a first DIY project. In this case, a USB voltage regulator module for a small solar panel that can charge your phone! If you're ready for an adventure, a ferro-velho is a gold mine for a hacker. You can find high-quality copper wiring, sturdy casings, and often those 12V car chargers I mentioned sitting right in the dashboard of a wreck. It’s the ultimate way to keep materials in the loop instead of letting them rust. Just be careful with the sharp edges and ALWAYS ask the owner first. Most are happy to let you scavenge the small stuff that isn't worth much to them. It’s how I started—finding the potential in what others have given up on. Once you have your pieces, the real work is just seeing how they fit together. It’s more than a charger; it’s proof that you can power your own life with what’s already around you. That’s how we start building a world that actually lasts. Come chat with me in Eternal Gardens and I can help guide you on the journey, piecing together your project!