Larry,
 
Very well put.  In most cases our company drives improved environmental
standards in the countries we have factories in.  In many cases the these
other countries did not have the need, or the infrastructure and logistics
in place to commicate and enforce the environmental standards.  As they
advance they develop the need and therfore the means to omprove.
 
Jack

-----Original Message-----
From: Lawrence Dungan [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, January 14, 2002 10:25 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [EN] China's "War on Pollution"


Steve:
 
One occasionally hears such charges being leveled against major brand names,
but I cannot accept that any OEM goes into these countries because of lax
regulations.
Perhaps I misunderstand your definition of an OEM.
 
My company for one, and I expect it is more often the case than not, use the
same corporate EHS standard through-out the world.
Workers follow the same procedures, require the same level of PPE, follow
the same corporate standards requiring pretreatment, etc. 
These internal corporate standards *exceed* any government standard anywhere
in the world (where we operate), including Europe, USA, etc.
It is only smart to do this, if you go through a learning curve in the US or
Europe, why would you want to go through the same expensive learning curve
again at other locations?
 
Some of the locals ask us why we do things the way we do, and then perhaps
10 years afterwards we see locals asking for similar types of regulation.
 
In short, I see major brand names leading the way towards high standards,
less polluting practices, and safer workplaces in the countries they
operate.
 
Perhaps China's "War on Pollution" is being waged on problems from
indigenous manufacturing plants?
Is it so hard to imagine it was not the naïveté of the benevolent socialist
regime but their desire for rapid growth that caused them to cut corners
when it was expedient to do so? And that now that they can afford to do so
they are dealing with some of the problems created when they postponed
addressing controls--as originally planned. Why must this be layed at the
feet of western capitalist? 
 
It is what it is.
 
Regards,
 
Larry Dungan 
-----Original Message-----
From: Stephen Gregory [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Sunday, January 13, 2002 12:12 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [EN] $660 billion (HKD) to be spent on China's "War on
Pollution"


Hi Joe!

Like to see that too, but would like to see the companies that bring the
business to these countries take some reponsibility and make sure that
everything is environmentally sound...

That doesn't happen as often as I see. Major OEM's go into third world
countries knowing there isn't the enviromental restrictions they need to
face in more developed countries. China is one, Malaysia, Taiwan, the
Phillipines, etc...you can see that on the stamping on the parts...

Having China finally look at this stuff is good, but it's just a drop in the
bucket...

-Steve Gregory-




Hello folks, 

In the January 13th edition of Hong Kong's "Sunday Morning Post" a front
page article reported on China's efforts to clean-up. According to the
article, the money (~ $85 billion US) is to be spent to reduce airborn
emissions, dust and solid waste over five years. This appears to provide
evidence that was always long suspected that a heavy price was being paid by
the Chinese people and their environment for the rapid expansion. 

This may also help to level the playing field in electronics manufacture.
Most of the world's electronic manufacturers have to make significant
investment in pollution control before they can open their doors. It is a
bit late but not too late (hopefully) for China. 

This should be a good opportunity for environemental engineering and
consulting companies to "do well by doing good". 

I wish China much success in it efforts as we will all certainly benefit. 

Best to all, 
Joe