PRESS
RELEASE
Contacts:
Anne Reynolds, Environmental Advocates of New York: 518-462-5526 ext. 238
Leslie Byster, Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition: 408-287-6707
Michael Bender, Mercury Policy Project: 802-233-9000
TO SEE FULL REPORT: www.svtc.org.
Computer Report Card
Shows US Companies Lagging Behind European Counterparts
National Computer TakeBack Campaign Launched!
Albany (November 27, 2001)
Groups across the U.S. have joined together to release the 3rd Annual Computer Report Card and to launch the Computer
TakeBack Campaign. The Computer Report Card provides a tool to measure
electronics equipment and the environmental performance of companies that
produce computers. The Computer Report Card reveals that US companies are continuing
to lag further behind their overseas competitors in clean production,
health-related issues and producing environmentally superior products.
"E-waste (electronic
waste) is one of the fastest growing and most toxic waste streams threatening
human health and the environment," said Ted Smith, Executive Director of
the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition and National Coordinator of Computer TakeBack Campaign.
Japan and many European
countries have passed laws mandating that computer manufacturers take back
their products at the end-of-life and phase-out dangerous materials including
lead, mercury and brominated flame retardants. In response, computer
manufacturers in Europe and Japan are taking responsibility for their products
by setting up take-back programs for consumers and eliminating the use of
dangerous substances in the design of computers. Computer manufacturers are not
employing these same clean production practices in the United States.
"High-tech companies
that sell computers in New York are not using the same clean practices they use
abroad. U.S. consumers are receiving second-class treatment from global
high-tech companies that know — and act
— better in other countries. They are creating a waste problem that New Yorkers
will have to deal with down the road." said Anne Reynolds of Environmental
Advocates of New York. “Companies in Europe and Asia are embracing producer
responsibility. It's time for U.S. companies to accept extended producer
responsibility by designing products that are cleaner and safer, more durable
and easier to disassemble, reuse and recycle.”
The Computer Report Card finds that companies maintain disparate
practices by meeting higher standards outside of the U.S and not transferring
these practices back home.
Ř Since 1989, IBM has offered
product take-back programs in certain European countries free of charge. By contrast, IBM announced a U.S. take-back
effort earlier this year, but charges $29.99 for consumers to participate - a
clear disincentive for consumer participation.
Ř Apple Computer of Germany
provides a take-back program where customers can return electronic appliances
at no charge due to legislative requirements, but offers no such program to US
consumers.
Ř Computer Manufacturers are
offering lead-free products in Japan and Europe, but not in the United
States.
1. For Consumers:
Make use of your purchasing
power! It is one of the strongest tools
for initiating change in corporate behavior.
Buy a new computer only if you really need to and when you do, buy the
most environmentally sound option – look for the eco-labels at http://www.svtc.org/cleancc/greendesign/index.html
2. For Governments:
Learn from your counterparts
in Europe and Japan and pass laws to establish take back and Extended Producer
Responsibility, and phase out the most toxic, persistent and bioaccumulative
chemicals. Use your institutional
buying power to promote environmentally preferable purchasing.
Follow the lead of your
global competitors. Accept full life cycle responsibility for your
products. Include clear and concise
disclosures about the toxics in your products and how consumers can access take
back programs.
To download the Computer Report Card, the Campaign Platform and its
participants, visit us on the web at www.svtc.org
or www.grrn.org.
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