World’s largest non-profit supplier of refurbished computers launches campaign for action against toxic trade

LisaC — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:30:17 +0100

LONDON (Computer Aid) -

APC member Computer Aid is urging the UK government to take action against the illegal dumping of e-waste (computers, hard drives, cd roms, etc.) in countries such as Ghana, Nigeria and China. It is calling on the government to provide adequate funding for the Environment Agency to effectively police and prevent e-waste from being exported to the developing world. The campaign also targets commercial traders that are abusing re-use and recycling initiatives and computer manufacturers that are turning a blind eye to their equipment being dumped in these countries.

APC urges International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to limit use of toxic chemicals in electronics production

natalie — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:45:13 +0100

JOHANNESBURG (Natalie Brown for APCNews) -

APC is supporting environmentalists’ calls to the South African National Committee of the IEC to vote against Clause 7 of IEC Standard 62368.
Clause 7 requires that large amounts of fire retardant chemicals be used in electronics production, despite the lack of reliable fire data showing a need for such chemicals. If passed, this clause will make it even more difficult and dangerous to recycle electronic waste, or e-waste, and may pose serious health risks to consumers.

Battlefield internet: Belarusian civil society active despite censorship

frederic — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:05:07 +0100

MINSK (Pavel P Antonov for APCNews) -

Zelyonaya Set’s headquarters are no different from any other non governmental organisation (NGO) office in Central and Eastern Europe. Still, something is a little different here, where an online network for environmental groups is being set-up for Belarus.

Greening IT event: Europe’s way to an environmentally sustainable information society

webmaster — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 05:00:00 +0100

BELGRADE (Pavel Antonov for APCNews) -

Individual activists and organisations are invited to join an online discussion on the potential of information technology for environmental sustainability. APC, BlueLink Bulgaria, and Ekoforum Serbia will produce a live online talk show from Belgrade in partnership with the UNECE Aarhus Convention Secretariat as a side event to the Sixth Ministerial “Environment for Europe” Conference.

Central and East European online environmentalism targeted

webmaster — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 05:00:00 +0100

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (Pavel P Antonov for APCNews) -

Fidanka and Eoin McGrath, a family soon expecting their first child, spent two of the hottest August days in a quite unusual way – having a friendly talk with police officials. The family life was disturbed abruptly this summer, when the two were called in by the local unit of the Bulgarian secret service.

UN agencies and industry launch network on e-waste

webmaster — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 03:00:00 +0000

GOA, INDIA (FN for PCNews) -

Several United Nations agencies, partners and technology companies are setting up a consortium aimed at extending the life of computers and other electronic equipment, reducing pollution and improving the salvage, which is turning into a growing problem worldwide.

E-waste: Impacts, challenges and the role of civil society

webmaster — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 03:00:00 +0000

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (Katherine Walraven) -

That information and communication technologies (ICTs) have a valuable role to play in building a more fair, just, and sustainable world is well established. APC is a firm believer in the power of these tools to transform lives and communities. And yet, while the benefits of expanding access to ICTs are many, there are negative impacts as well, such as the problems associated with a growing volume of e-waste.

E stands for environment: ICT tools to empower activists struggling to protect environment around the world

webmaster — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 05:00:00 +0100

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (Pavel Antonov for APCNews) -

A working group of APC members aims to bring environment higher on the ICT policy priorities of global civil society. Information and communication technologies are a powerful tool for civil society protecting environment. But more is needed to streamline ICT work of different groups and communities, and offer them access to the ICTs they need to secure environmental sustainability, a BlueLink/APC survey shows.