Unborn babies are exposed in the womb to synthetic chemicals. Companies can choose to remove them chemicals from products if they wish.
Will writing to the companies make a difference?
Due to our campaign to reduce toxic pollution, Samsung, Nokia
andPuma have announced plans to phase out toxic chemicals in all
theirproducts. Sony is removing them from their TV's. This is due
topressure from publishing the companies' chemicals policy on the
web. Ifa huge company like Samsung can do it then there is no
reason othercompanies cannot follow suit to help protect the
environment.
But big brands like Dell, HP/Compaq, Apple and IBM have all
refused to take this positive step. Make them think again by writing
to say you'll choose a more responsible company the next time
you make a purchase.
Why are chemicals in products important?
Samsung and Nokia produce millions of electronics items each
year.Going toxics free means less pollution and worker exposure
duringproduction, less chemicals in your home during use and
easier, cleanerrecycling and disposal. These voluntary measures are
good, but othercompanies will never change unless they are forced
to by law. Only thenwill these toxic chemicals be brought under
control.
What about those laws?
Current regulation of chemicals is weak and inadequate.
Almosteveryone has dozens of man-made chemicals in their body, the
effects ofthese chemical cocktails on our health are unknown. In
Europe the EU isdrafting new laws, that would set a world standard,
to better controlthese chemicals.
While better chemical control should be welcomed by all, it is
underattack from predictable quarters. The chemical industry has
been scaremongering with exaggerated claims of job losses and
declining profits.It has also recruited dirty industries best
friend, the BushAdministration, to threaten Europe with a World
Trade Organisationlawsuit if it dares to try and cut toxic
pollution.
The best way to counter inaccurate industry lobbying is to
haveother companies' show they can do without toxic chemicals. The
list isgrowing - Ikea, H&M, Marks&Spencer, Nokia, Samsung
and Puma areleading the way. Adidas, Unilever and Sony are heading
in the rightdirection.
Your pressure from the Toxic Tech Test can help add companies to the good list and help in the battle for a toxic free future!
Spread the word!
If you have taken the action but know people who also have
products? Why not email them the link to join the action?
Check the online product database to see which companies and
brands are toxics free and who are not:
English | French | Spanish
| Dutch
|
Italian (pdf file)
Support Us
We campaign to change company and government policy to help
protectthe planet. We can only do this by not accepting donations
fromgovernments or companies - we rely only on donations from
individuals.Help us change companies and governments for the better
by
giving now.
You can also sign
up for further news on this campaign and ways to support all
our work.
More Info
Backround on the
Chemical Crisis and our campaign for a
toxic free future.
Intro to the
upcoming EU chemical law (REACH).
BushGreenwatch: Administration
Steps Up Pressure on EU to Weaken Proposed Chemical Laws.
For more information on toxic
chemicals in computers and issues of electronic waste visit the computer take back
campaign.