StEP into line with e-cycling
Among the many initiatives developed to address electronic waste, StEP is one of the most eminent (and one of the best-named). The acronym stands for Solving the E-waste Program, and if you’re wondering what happened to the “w” from “waste,” you’re missing the point. StEP, which is located online at http://www.step-initiative.org/index.php, is designed to encourage all responsible authorities involved with e-waste to “step” up and take control of the issue.The initiative spans a number of countries, with members hailing from companies, government agencies, NGOs, and UN organizations. Its purpose is to ensure a neutral and credible approach to the issue. StEP was developed over three years by a collaboration of the promotion team wetzlar, the United Nations University, and the Palo Alto, California-based information technology corporation Hewlett-Packard Company (HP), and was officially launched in 2007.To address the multiple aspects of e-waste, five task forces were developed.1. Policy: Assesses current governmental attitudes and regulations regarding Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). Offers recommendations for future regulations.2. ReDesign: Focused on redesigning Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) to make it more environmentally efficient throughout its entire cycle. Especially focused on production in developing countries.3. ReUse: Develops recommendations for sustainable principles and standards in reusing EEE.4. Recycling: Focused on improving the infrastructures, systems and technologies to implement a globally sustainable recycling program.5. Capacity Building: Draws attention to the various issues related to WEEE. Makes the other task forces’ research publicly available through the Internet and other networks.StEP continued the rule of five when developing its principles, which are quoted directly from its website below:1. StEP’s work is founded on scientific assessments and incorporates a comprehensive view of the social, environmental and economic aspects of e-waste.2. StEP conducts research on the entire life-cycle of electronic and electrical equipment and their corresponding global supply, process and material flows.3. StEP’s research and pilot projects are meant to contribute to the solution of e-waste problems.4. StEP condemns all illegal activities related to e-waste including illegal shipments and reuse/ recycling practices that are harmful to the environment and human health.5. StEP seeks to foster safe and eco/energy-efficient reuse and recycling practices around the globe in a socially responsible manner.