Greenpeace Does It Best

Protecting the environment is one major taskits "Cutting Edge Contamination" report,
that needs the cooperation of all people living onGreenpeace revealed that some of the largest
earth. This cannot be done overnight. It takesand popular brands in the industry of electronics
time to solve environment related problems andand their suppliers are to be blamed for
raise public awareness on the effects ofcontaminating rivers and underground wells with
environmental degradation. But thanks tovarious chemicals during production.
Greenpeace, people and governments around theDeveloping countries like China, Mexico, Thailand
world are made aware of their responsibilityand the Philippines are currently the manufacturing
towards saving Mother Earth.sites of most mobile phones, computers and
Greenpeace, an international non-profitother electronic products. While the focus at
organization, has been instrumental in solvingthese production plants has been on labor
major crises affecting the environment worldwide.practices, the environmental aspect has somehow
According to its mission, "Greenpeace existsbeen taken for granted. Research has shown that
because this fragile earth deserves a voice, ithazardous chemicals are released by production
needs solutions, it needs change and it needsplants that manufacture printed wiring board,
action." And true to its mission, this globalsemiconductor chip and component assembly. Dr.
organization has always been there to advocateKevin Brigden from the Greenpeace
for environmental preservation through its shipsLaboratories said these chemicals cause
since 1971. It makes its presence felt in 40contamination during disposal or electronic waste
countries across Europe, North and Southrecycling. Groundwater wells, notably those near
America, Asia and the Pacific. No othersemiconductor manufacturers, have been found
organization has been this dedicated andto be affected by contamination by toxic
courageous in protecting the earth's biodiversitychlorinated chemicals (VOC's) and toxic metals.
and environment.This can pose a great risk on the health of people
In pursuing its mission, Greenpeace focuses onliving in nearby communities who use groundwater
several aspects of the environment. One of thesefor drinking water.
is the dangerous climate change blamed onGreenpeace is now calling all major manufacturers
increasing carbon dioxide emissions around theof electronics to take action in ensure a clean
globe. Greenpeace's solution is "energy revolution"production process. It cannot be denied that
which promotes the use of existing technologyelectronics manufacturing is booming these days
while at the same time providing affordableas a result of technological advancement but the
energy and maintaining economic growth. Themajor companies behind this sector should do
organization aims to make people utilize renewabletheir part in ensuring that they provide clean
energy and use it wisely to be able to cut downtechnologies, substitute hazardous chemicals,
on carbon emissions by half by 2050. This can beprotect the health of their workers and prevent
achieved by scrapping coal and nuclear energyenvironmental pollution.
which will only aggravate climate change. ThePreserving the environment is not just the work
Greenpeace report also foresees that largeof one group as every one has a role to play -
developing nations such as China, India and Brazilindividuals and companies alike. It's never too late
can attain growth by utilizing renewable energy.to do what we have to do. Let's just not wait for
Another sector being targeted by thistomorrow so let's act now.
environmental group is the electronics industry. In