SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY
We have a vision of electronic products that result in sustainable communities and worksites, wherever the high-tech industry happens to exist!
The high-tech industry thrives on innovation, creating products that inspire our imagination, make our lives easier and connect people around the globe. However, the technology revolution has also come at great cost to communities around the world who suffer from high-tech pollution and related health problems associated with electronics production and disposal.
SVTC works with concerned people like you to shift the electronics industry to harness its dazzling ingenuity to create products that are toxic-free and completely recyclable. SVTC works locally in Silicon Valley, nationally and internationally to research the effects of electronics manufacturing and electronic waste, inform consumers on responsible electronics purchasing and recycling, and amplifying the voice of those most impacted by the high-tech revolution.
How You Can Help Create a Sustainable Future
Electronics Purchasing Guide: Electronics companies say that customer demand is the single most compelling driver for them to make changes in their products. SVTC has a variety of tools that help individual consumers and institutional purchasers evaluate leading electronics companies and reward those with the best record for environmental and social performance. Learn more about how you can harness consumer power and create the market demand for greener electronics that do not harm communities or the environment. Learn more
Electronics Recycling: There is a lot that consumers can do to mitigate the growing e-waste crisis. SVTC’s recycling guide shows not only where and how to recycle responsibly, but also how to press electronics companies to take back their old products, make them with less toxics and design them for easier recycling. Learn more
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Organizers from the Computer Takeback Campaign sent a message to Apple and its users at MacWorld Conference 2005. Apple now offers free take-back for its ipods. | |
Global E-waste Crisis: There are roughly 500 million obsolete computers in the U.S. alone, and just like batteries, electronics seem safe to use, but if we throw them out, they can leak toxic chemicals like lead, mercury and cadmium into our water and air. Millions of tons of e-waste are exported around the globe where it is burned, dumped or picked through by impoverished unprotected workers. Learn more
Emerging Technologies: The electronics industry is constantly innovating exciting new products and developing technology at an astounding rate. Some of these technologies are released onto the market without comprehensive testing on the health impacts of usage or the environmental/community impacts of their production. Learn more
E-Waste & Recycling Policy: So far, Congress and the EPA have been inadequate in creating meaningful e-waste legislation that protects public health and our environment. Because states and municipalities currently shoulder the burden of e-waste, momentum is building to pass take-back legislation on the state level. Learn more
Toxics & Health: Chemicals are everywhere in our lives - from artificially scented orange cleaner, to fabric stain guard, right down to the sticky part of an envelope. Many of these are known to be dangerous to human health. Since 1982, SVTC has been monitoring dangerous materials in our electronics, our homes and our environment and fighting for a toxic-free future. Learn more |
