Mission

Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition (SVTC) is a diverse grassroots coalition that, for more than twenty years, has engaged in research, advocacy, and organizing associated with environmental and human health problems caused by the rapid growth of the high-tech electronics industry. Its goal in addressing these problems is to advance environmental sustainability and clean production in the industry and to improve health, promote justice, and ensure democratic decision-making for communities and workers affected by the high-tech revolution in Silicon Valley and other high-tech areas of the US and the world.

Issues

Toxics, Water pollution, Environmental justice, Community organizing, Worker safety, Labor rights

Activities

Media/press campaign, Direct action, Organizing, Research, Report preparation, Leadership development, Community monitoring

Programs/
Projects

Through organizing, research and awareness raising, SVTC calls attention to and works to improve the environmental health and safety practices of the global electronics industry. Currently their work is organized around four projects. The Clean Computer Campaign issues reports, publishes industry annual report cards and speaks at conferences to clean up the life cycle of computer manufacturing and to promote environmentally sustainable development, extended producer responsibility and corporate and government accountability. The Sustainable Water Program is a multi-year effort to eliminate toxic contaminants --such as mercury and PCBs -- from streams and groundwater and to promote water conservation and closed loop systems in the South Bay. Project activities include supporting community groups to participate in decision-making and documenting industry practices. The International Campaign for Responsible Technology is an international network developed to ensure that high-tech development is sustainable and non-polluting. Finally, the Health and Environmental Justice Project organizes for worker and community empowerment, health data collection and management and publishing reports to identify, reduce and prevent peoples' exposure to toxic chemicals in relation to the high tech industry in Silicon Valley.

Constitutency

Community residents and workers; Environmental justice, labor and public health organizations and activists; Students and academics

Geographical Focus

Regional, National, International

Staff

13

Volunteers

20

Membership Base

Several thousand dues paying members. Dues are on a sliding scale, starting at $35/year

Publications

List available online at www.svtc.org

Annuual Budget

$500,000 - $1,000,000

Year Founded

1982