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
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