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Toxic Tech Victory
Sony Ericsson announces phase out of toxic chemicals
29 April 2005
Sony Ericsson phone - Sony Ericsson has recently committed to remove toxic chemicals from its entire product range. Market leaders such as Sony Ericsson show that substitution of toxics with safer alternatives is possible.
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Demand for toxic-free products is clearly the people's choice.
Back in November we asked for your help to pressure electronic
companies to change for the better. Over 14,000 people from across the
globe responded by writing over 32,000 messages to the top producers of
mobile phones, computers and TVs. Sony Ericsson listened. We hope
the other companies are listening too.
Now just one company phasing out toxic substances might not sound like a big deal. But in 2004 Sony Ericsson sold 42 million phones. Soon millions of these phones will be shipped without containing chemicals hazardous to human health and the environment.
Take Action
Why are chemicals in products important?
Companies going toxics-free means less pollution and worker exposure during production, less chemicals in your home during use and easier, cleaner recycling and disposal. Discover more companies taking postive steps in our toxic free catwalk.
Our recent tests of products in Italy revealed that consumer goods aimed at children and babies contained the highest levels of toxic substances, out of a shopping basket of everyday articles. For example Mattel's Barbie Fashion Fever contained high levels of toxic chemicals.
These results show that company voluntary measures are good, but other companies will never change unless they are forced to by law. Only then will these toxic chemicals be phased out and substituted with safer alternatives.
What about those laws?
Current regulation of chemicals is weak and inadequate. Almost everyone has dozens of man-made chemicals in their body, the effects of these chemical cocktails on our health are unknown. In Europe the EU is drafting new laws, that would set a world standard, we need to make sure that the new law not only identifies all hazardous chemicals, but also requires their substitution with safer alternatives.
While better chemical regulation should be welcomed by all, it is under attack from predictable quarters. The chemical industry has been scare mongering with exaggerated claims of job losses and declining profits. It has also recruited dirty industries best friend, the Bush Administration, to threaten Europe with a World Trade Organisation lawsuit if it dares to try and cut toxic pollution.
The best way to counter inaccurate industry lobbying is to have other companies' show they can do without toxic chemicals. The list is growing - Ikea, H&M, Sony Ericsson, Marks&Spencer, Sony, Nokia and Puma are leading the way.
Comment on this victory for a toxic free future at our action centre.
Now just one company phasing out toxic substances might not sound like a big deal. But in 2004 Sony Ericsson sold 42 million phones. Soon millions of these phones will be shipped without containing chemicals hazardous to human health and the environment.
Take ActionWithout the help of concerned citizens we wouldn't have victories like this. Become a Greenpeace cyberactivist and join a winning team.
Why are chemicals in products important?
Companies going toxics-free means less pollution and worker exposure during production, less chemicals in your home during use and easier, cleaner recycling and disposal. Discover more companies taking postive steps in our toxic free catwalk.
Our recent tests of products in Italy revealed that consumer goods aimed at children and babies contained the highest levels of toxic substances, out of a shopping basket of everyday articles. For example Mattel's Barbie Fashion Fever contained high levels of toxic chemicals.
These results show that company voluntary measures are good, but other companies will never change unless they are forced to by law. Only then will these toxic chemicals be phased out and substituted with safer alternatives.
What about those laws?
Current regulation of chemicals is weak and inadequate. Almost everyone has dozens of man-made chemicals in their body, the effects of these chemical cocktails on our health are unknown. In Europe the EU is drafting new laws, that would set a world standard, we need to make sure that the new law not only identifies all hazardous chemicals, but also requires their substitution with safer alternatives.
While better chemical regulation should be welcomed by all, it is under attack from predictable quarters. The chemical industry has been scare mongering with exaggerated claims of job losses and declining profits. It has also recruited dirty industries best friend, the Bush Administration, to threaten Europe with a World Trade Organisation lawsuit if it dares to try and cut toxic pollution.
The best way to counter inaccurate industry lobbying is to have other companies' show they can do without toxic chemicals. The list is growing - Ikea, H&M, Sony Ericsson, Marks&Spencer, Sony, Nokia and Puma are leading the way.
Comment on this victory for a toxic free future at our action centre.
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