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Appendix B: The Silicon Principles of Socially and Environmentally Responsible Electronics Manufacturing
- Temple University Press
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Appendix B The Silicon Principles of Socially and Environmentally Responsible Electronics Manufacturing 1. Establish a comprehensive toxics use reduction program1 r Phase out the use of chlorofluorocarbons and other chlorinated solvents r Phase out all carcinogens, reproductive toxins and neurotoxins r Phase out the use of acutely toxic gases r Implement in-process acid recycling r Develop toxics use reduction plans, materials and waste audits, and mass balance materials accounting 2. Develop health and safety education programs and health monitoring r Health and safety training must be sensitive to the diversity of workforce r Health monitoring must be comprehensive and available for public inspection r Establish non-discriminatory transfers for pregnant production workers r Earmark at least 5 percent of all R & D money for environmental, health and safety programs 3. Work with local communities to establish “good neighbor agreements” r Include emergency planning and worst-case scenario planning, including transportation planning r Provide full disclosure to local communities, with regular monitoring, including inspections r Establish a corporate commitment to hire, train, and promote local residents 4. Implement a worker improvement program and economic impact statements r Assure that workers are involved in process design and workplace governance r Assess environmental, social, and economic impacts of new technologies and new facilities 5. Support national R & D policy directed by civilian (not military) needs r Support a change in federal R & D funding from Department of Defense to Department of Commerce 302 APPENDIX B 6. Establish corporate policies requiring equal standards for sub-contractors and suppliers r Establish technical assistance and technology transfer to encourage pollution prevention at all stages of production, rather than shift the pollution down the production chain to smaller contractors r Hire contractors who adhere to good labor and environmental policies, and in particular, hire union contractors where they exist. 7. Establish corporate standards that are enforced equally, both domestically and internationally r Establish corporate policies that assure worldwide full compliance with the strictest standards r Require all facilities worldwide to make full disclosure of toxics used, stored, and released on and off site 8. Establish a life-cycle approach to all manufacturing, from R & D to final disposal r Design new products using a life-cycle perspective r Internalize costs of disposal; guarantee return and safe disposal of all used products 9. Work closely with local communities and workers to ensure full oversight and participation r Commit to open partnership with workers and community to assure comprehensive participation NOTE 1. Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition, and Campaign for Responsible Technology, June 1996. ...