The Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition (SVTC) and its international project the Campaign for Responsible Technology drafted the Silicon Prinicples. These are a set of guidelines we believe should be endorsed by the high-tech electronics industry.

1. Establish a comprehensive toxics use reduction program

• Phase out the use of CFCs and other chlorinated solvents
• Phase out all carcinogens, reproductive toxins and nuero-toxins
• Phase out the use of acutely toxic gases
• Implement in-process acid recycling
• Develop Toxics Use Reduction plans, materials and waste audits, & mass balance materials accounting

2. Develop health and safety education programs and health monitoring

• Health and safety training must be sensitive to diversity of workforce
• Health monitoring must be comprehensive and available for public inspection
• Establish non-discriminatory transfers for pregnant production workers
• Earmark at least 5% of all R&D money for environmental, health and safety programs

3. Work with local communities to establish "Good Neighbor Agreements"

• Include emergency planning and worst case scenario planning, including transportation planning
• Provide full disclosure to local communities and regular monitoring, including inspections
• Establish corporate commitment to hiring, training, and promoting local residents

4. Implement a Worker Improvement Program and Economic Impact Statements

• Assure that workers are involved in process design and workplace governance
• Assess environmental, social, and economic impacts of new technologies and new facilities

5. Support national R&D policy directed by civilian (not Military) needs

• Support a change in federal R&D funding from Defense Department to Department of Commerce

6. Establish corporate policies requiring equal standards for sub-contractors & suppliers

• Establish technical assistance and technology transfer to encourage pollution prevention at all stages of production, rather than shift the pollution down the production chain to smaller contractors
• Hire contractors who adhere to good labor and environmental policies, and in particular, hire union contractors where they exist.

7. Establish corporate standards that are enforced equally, domestically, and internationally

• Establish corporate policies that assure full compliance worldwide that meet the strictest standards
• Require all facilities worldwide to make full disclosure of toxics reporting

8. Establish a life-cycle approach to all manufacturing, from R&D to final disposal

• Design new products from life-cycle perspective
• Internalize costs of disposal and guarantee return and safe disposal of all used products

9. Work closely with local communities and workers to ensure full oversight & participation

• Commit to open partnership with workers and community to assure comprehensive participation