WTO (World Trade Organization) ATTACK ON COMPUTER RECYCLING from the Silicon Valley, Toxics Coalition, the Washington Toxics Coalition and the Asia-Pacific Network

> III.  RALLY FROM WA TOXICS COALITION
>
> We need people for a rally outside Microsoft this Wednesday, Nov 10 at 10.30
> am.  We will supply transport for people from outside the  WTO peoples'
> campaign office on 4th Ave near Stewart at 9:30 am.
>
> The citizens' rally outside Microsoft is to ask them to Stop the WTO Attack
> on Computer Recycling.  We need people to carry some old computers and some
> signs and walk peacefully on the public sidewalk outside the Microsoft
> headquarters.
>
> This is a short rally and will last about one hour.  We will be
> photographing and videoing the event -- which is why we need a diverse range
> of people of all ages and ethnicity.  We want to represent all the computer
> users of the world.
>
> REASON FOR THE RALLY
>
> The European Union has drafted legislation to make producers of all
> electronic equipment financially responsible for taking back and recycling
> their end of life products.  The legislation also mandates the phase out of
> lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium, cadmium and two highly persistent flame
> retardants commonly used in electronic equipment.  Recent research from
> Sweden has found that computer dismantlers have 70 times elevated levels of
> this persistent chemical in their blood, and long term computer users also
> had slightly elevated levels compared to non computer users.
>
> Since this legislation was drafted, The American Electronics Association, of
> which Microsoft is a member - along with all the main computer producers,
> has challenged the EU on the legality of this legislation.  They claim it is
> a barrier to free trade, that the hazardous material phase outs are not
> necessary, that the toxicity to consumers has not been proved and that the
> strongest environmental requirements put on waste handlers will disadvantage
> producers who cannot meet these standards.  The lobby has been effective in
> weakening the draft legislation which is now in its third version.
>
> We are extremely concerned the WTO challenge will succeed in getting rid of
> the requirement that these hazardous materials will be banned in new
> products.  We need to show that American consumers support this European
> initiative -- an initiative that will help clean up the electronics industry
> here in North America.
>
> WHAT WE ARE ASKING MICROSOFT TO DO
>
> We will be asking Microsoft to use their influence to call off the AEA
> attack on the European legislation.  We want them to speak out against the
> dismantling of policies designed to protect health and the environment in
> the name of free trade.  We want Microsoft to stand with us for a future
> that is free of toxic contamination and free of landfills full of old
> computers.
>
> PLEASE RESPOND BY EMAIL OR PHONE ASAP TO TELL US IF YOU CAN COME TO OUR
> RALLY ON WEDNESDAY MORNING.  Sorry about the short notice.
>
> With grateful thanks on behalf of the Silicon Valley, Toxics Coalition, the
> Washington Toxics Coalition and the Asia-Pacific Network.
>
> Contact Beverley Thorpe of Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition at the following
> telephone and email to let us know if you can help us: telephone  206 441
> 0101 x 324  or cell phone 206 228 228 6579 or email:bthorpe@web.net
>
> also available for more information: Washington Toxics Coalition:  Carol
> Dansereau: 206 632 1545
> Asia Pacific Network:  206 720 6426
>
> Thanks Seattle!