[greenyes] press release on prison labor

[Ted Smith <tsmith@no.address>]

Friends:

Here is a press release for our latest report which compares HP and Dell's 
computer recycling models.  Sheila Davis is the principle author.
The New York Times and Associated Press have already said that they will do 
stories, and we are expecting much wider distribution also.
the full report is now available on our web site at www.svtc.org

Ted Smith



Computer TakeBack Campaign
Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition

For immediate release:                                  For more 
information, contact:
June 25 , 2003                                          Sheila 
Davis:  415-846-6331
                                                        Ted 
Smith:  408-287-6707 ext. 305

New Report Documents Dell?s Use of  High-tech Chain Gang:
Case study contrasts Hewlett Packard?s recycling efforts


(San Jose) A new report released today documents the vast differences 
between the two largest U.S. computer makers -- Hewlett-Packard (HP) and 
Dell Computer (Dell) -- in their computer recycling strategies.  The case 
study finds that H-P employs state of the art practices in its partnership 
with Micro Metallics Corporation, while Dell employs low end prison labor 
in its partnership with UNICOR, the Federal Prison Industry.  The report, 
entitled CORPORATE STRATEGIES FOR ELECTRONIC RECYCLING: A TALE OF TWO 
SYSTEMS is a publication of the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition and the 
Computer TakeBack Campaign!

The report examines three critical areas and finds enormous differences in 
the models:

·       Transparency and accountability to the public
·       General compliance with occupational health and safety standards
·       Use of best recycling practices and their potential for wide 
adoption by the private sector

?We were appalled to witness the working conditions inside the federal 
prison at Atwater, California, where inmates were using hammers to smash 
computer monitors? stated Sheila Davis, Director of the Clean Computer 
Campaign and principle author of the report.  In sharp contrast, the 
report  documents that a ?high standards approach to computer recycling is 
not only possible, it?s already being done by Hewlett Packard today at its 
facility in Roseville, California.  We need to support this high-end 
approach or else it will be dragged down to the lowest common denominator? 
added Ted Smith, Executive Director of Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition and 
National Coordinator of the Computer TakeBack Campaign.

These recycling operations suggest two divergent paths for the future of 
e-waste recycling in America.  One path leads toward efficient, 
transparent, modern facilities staffed by free labor, possessed of their 
rights as contemporary employees, able to protect themselves and nearby 
communities from harm.  ?The other path descends into a closed, Dickensian 
world of prisoners condemned to dangerous work for little pay under 
backward conditions,? according to David Wood, Executive Director of Grass 
Roots Recycling Network. ?Depending on the path we choose, e-waste 
recycling can contribute to community economic development and 
environmental protection, or can become the equivalent of breaking rocks on 
a high-tech chain gang.?

The Computer TakeBack Campaign has urged Dell to agree to use private 
sector recyclers that employ high standards while it called on EPA to 
distance itself from prison labor.  The Campaign is a national network of 
dozens of groups throughout the U.S. that are working together to protect 
America's public health by promoting corporate accountability for 
electronic waste.  For more information, see www.computertakeback.com.

#30

Ted Smith


Ted Smith
Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition/Computer TakeBack Campaign
760 N. First Street,San Jose, CA 95112
408-287-6707-phone;  408-287-6771-fax
http://www.svtc.org/ http://www.computertakeback.com
=========================================
Food for thought:  How Gandhi Defined the Seven Deadly Sins
· Wealth without work; · Pleasure without conscience; · Knowledge without 
character;· Commerce without morality;
· Science without humanity;· Worship without sacrifice;· Politics without 
principle