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 Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2010 1:51 am
So I only recently read about this. I'm not sure how many of you are familiar with the situation, but here it is: Congo is a region in which there has been a great deal of war over resources -- in fact this is the deadliest war since world war 2. Most people are familiar with conflict diamonds, but I don't imagine most consumers know that their electronics are in fact often composed by the minerals mined from this region. This region is in an absolute disaster. It's not just poverty, but destitute. Here's a link. I don't know about you all, but I can't be a part of this. If electronics companies don't clean up their supply chain, I'm done. The amount of abuse in this region is horrendous. I'm sure you've all heard about it. I'm not sure how we can possibly rationalize fueling this level of abuse for altogether unnecessary devices. Useful, yes, but the cost in this case is far too great. Here's a company that's taken some initiative to go fair trade with their electronics. We need to put pressure on other electronics companies to do the same if we're going to help in any way.
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Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2010 4:58 am
Just to add on to what was said about the conflict diamonds. They are also known as blood diamonds and there is a movie called Blood Diamond based fictionally on what is going on there.
However, usually such minerals are extremely expensive due to how dangerous it is to be in that region and I question how many companies actually use materials from this region?
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Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2010 11:37 am
Actually minerals such as tin, tungsten and tantalum are not profoundly expensive, particularly when to get them virtually nothing need be paid to the workers. Exploitation has a way of negating heavy expenses.
These minerals are used in electronics, though, regardless of their origin. Gold is another mineral commonly used, very often coming from Congo. By no means is the trade exclusive to diamonds though.
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Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2010 12:02 pm
ah, good, it's been about time for another Awareness thread. smile good work Figuren, i am happy to see this here! ^_^
Fair Trade is a concept that has been watered down an awful lot in america. many people talk the talk, but when push come sto shove they only bother when they are put in the limelight, or just drop a few pennies to ease their guilt. it's digusting. most of them stay in a state of constant ignorance and forget all about the problems the very next day after they saw the ads.
i am saying this to put a little bit of realism into this, not to discourage it. if anything, i would hope that my above statements inspire you to work harder to promote the Fair Trade.
it is a disgusting process of exploitation and indentured servitude. in some cases, even secret slavery! the media and entertainment businesses only do so much to get the message out, because of the very nature of our society. it is up to us who see and hear to continue to spread th message AND to do our tangible part in solving the problem. i encourage everyone who reads this to look into it and spread awareness, and those who can to organize for direct action.
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Chieftain Twilight Captain
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Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 8:56 pm
I think our efforts to ensure sustainable and ethically-produced resources are absolutely pathetic. Pressure just needs to be applied. This particular instance makes slave labour in China look like a fantastic deal. I get that people aren't necessarily going to buy into it but I'm going to do what I can to promote change in this area.
I'm actually going to try to get my school to buy into ethically-produced electronics. On the website they actually mention this. It's a good idea in that individual consumers don't necessarily have a huge amount of weight behind their decisions -- though enough in that if more refuse to buy into this companies will be forced to change -- but university and college institutions are huge consumers of this technology.
Can I suggest you in particular try to facilitate this in your school this coming year?
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Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 6:17 am
i have already begun! xd and i'm not even registered for my classes yet! xd
i also plan to buy some spray-paint cans and tag important messages downtown. 3nodding everything from some of my more social-based quotes, to reminders of the economic and environmental issues we face.
and as i have been talking about with various people, both inside and outside this guild, i am starting various campaign projects to reform policies locally, nationally, and globally. i'm talking a second Free-Love Revolution, substance abuse control, anti-poverty and 3rd-world relief.
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Chieftain Twilight Captain
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Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2010 8:26 pm
Awesome. I'm really happy to hear that. All of it is needed. We need some kind of movement to bring people back to the reality that s**t's ******** up. I'm also a total hippy, and I really like the Free Love idea. Also, this is an enormous relief. I'm really happy about this, as it is such a huge step forward. A bill is being passed for electronics companies using tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold to be transparent about the origin of their supplies.
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Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2010 10:39 pm
WOOT! go Hippies! blaugh
and i have been so anxious about that Bill! biggrin it will go far, and do great things!
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Chieftain Twilight Captain
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Chieftain Twilight Captain
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Posted: Sat Sep 18, 2010 9:07 pm
anywho, i'm moving this to Debate & Discussions.
i've got Community Outreach Tabling on the 22nd, so i'm fixing up a good presentation for passerby on campus.
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