Flowers, Diamonds, and Gold: The destructive public health, human rights and environmental consequences of symbols of love Martin Donohoe

Overview Flowers Flowers Diamonds Diamonds Gold Gold Alternatives/Solutions Alternatives/Solutions

“Say it with flowers”

Flowers Long history of religious, folk, heraldic and national symbolism Long history of religious, folk, heraldic and national symbolism Gifts of love, friendship and filial devotion Gifts of love, friendship and filial devotion St. Valentine’s Day St. Valentine’s Day Mothers’ Day Mothers’ Day

The Floriculture Industry $30 billion cut flower industry $30 billion cut flower industry Major producers: Holland, Columbia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ecuador, India, Mexico, China, Malaysia Major producers: Holland, Columbia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ecuador, India, Mexico, China, Malaysia World’s largest producer: Dole Fresh Flowers World’s largest producer: Dole Fresh Flowers Largest import markets: U.S. and Germany Largest import markets: U.S. and Germany

The Floriculture Industry 190,000 workers in developing countries 190,000 workers in developing countries Ecuador and Columbia account for ½ of flowers sold in U.S. Ecuador and Columbia account for ½ of flowers sold in U.S. Most profit flows to large, multinational corporations, headquartered outside producing countries Most profit flows to large, multinational corporations, headquartered outside producing countries Small amount reinvested locally Small amount reinvested locally

Floriculture and Women Predominantly female workforce Predominantly female workforce Low wages Low wages No benefits No benefits Short contract cycles Short contract cycles Child labor, dismissal for pregnancy, unpaid overtime common Child labor, dismissal for pregnancy, unpaid overtime common

Floriculture and Labor Labor organizers harassed, workers fired for trying to organize unions Labor organizers harassed, workers fired for trying to organize unions Third party contractors shuffle workers from plantation to plantation, avoiding payment of social security and inhibiting union organizing Third party contractors shuffle workers from plantation to plantation, avoiding payment of social security and inhibiting union organizing

Floriculture and the Environment Floriculture displaces crops grown for local food consumption Floriculture displaces crops grown for local food consumption Contributes to malnutrition and increased local food costs Contributes to malnutrition and increased local food costs Requires large quantities of irrigation water Requires large quantities of irrigation water Contributes to drop in water tables Contributes to drop in water tables

Floriculture: Toxic Exposures Flowers = most pesticide-intensive crop Flowers = most pesticide-intensive crop Greenhouses increase ambient levels of pesticides Greenhouses increase ambient levels of pesticides 1/5 of pesticides banned or untested in U.S. 1/5 of pesticides banned or untested in U.S. Carcinogens, persistent organic pollutants/endocrine disruptors Carcinogens, persistent organic pollutants/endocrine disruptors

Floriculture: Toxic Exposures Flowers carry up to 50X the amount of pesticides allowed on foods Flowers carry up to 50X the amount of pesticides allowed on foods USDA inspects for pests, but not pesticides USDA inspects for pests, but not pesticides

Floriculture: Health Effects Over 50% of workers have symptoms of organophosphate pesticide exposure (cholinergic symptoms) Over 50% of workers have symptoms of organophosphate pesticide exposure (cholinergic symptoms) Other common health problems: Other common health problems: Allergic reactions, heat stroke, pneumonitis, RSI, cellulitis, UTIs, neuropathies, mental health problems, cancers, reproductive problems (low sperm counts, spontaneous abortions, fetal anomalies, etc.) Allergic reactions, heat stroke, pneumonitis, RSI, cellulitis, UTIs, neuropathies, mental health problems, cancers, reproductive problems (low sperm counts, spontaneous abortions, fetal anomalies, etc.)

Floriculture: Health Effects Labeling, handling, and storage problems rampant Labeling, handling, and storage problems rampant Protective gear often lacking, not working Protective gear often lacking, not working Reuse of pesticide-saturated greenhouse plastic for domestic purposes not uncommon Reuse of pesticide-saturated greenhouse plastic for domestic purposes not uncommon Workers wash / bathe children in same sink Workers wash / bathe children in same sink

Floriculture: Health Effects Local physicians poorly-trained, lack resources to manage pesticide- related health problems Local physicians poorly-trained, lack resources to manage pesticide- related health problems Many providers employed by floriculture company Many providers employed by floriculture company Conflict of interest Conflict of interest

Diamonds Symbols of wealth, power, love, and magical powers Symbols of wealth, power, love, and magical powers Created from carbon early in the earth’s history under extreme temperature and pressure Created from carbon early in the earth’s history under extreme temperature and pressure Discovered in India around 800 B.C. Discovered in India around 800 B.C. Commercial mining began in 1866 in South Africa Commercial mining began in 1866 in South Africa

Diamond Production Australia, Zaire, Botswana, Russia and South Africa major mining countries Australia, Zaire, Botswana, Russia and South Africa major mining countries Antwerp, Tel Aviv, New York and Mumbai (Bombay) major trading centers Antwerp, Tel Aviv, New York and Mumbai (Bombay) major trading centers Most cutting done in Tel Aviv, Mumbai, New York and Thailand Most cutting done in Tel Aviv, Mumbai, New York and Thailand Major retail markets U.S. (48% of diamond jewelry) and Japan Major retail markets U.S. (48% of diamond jewelry) and Japan

The Diamond Engagement Ring Diamond engagement ring introduced in 1477 (Archduke Ferdinand → Mary of Burgundy) Diamond engagement ring introduced in 1477 (Archduke Ferdinand → Mary of Burgundy) De Beers Mining Company De Beers Mining Company Founded by Cecil Rhodes in 1888 Founded by Cecil Rhodes in 1888

Cecil Rhodes (Rhodesia, Rhodes Scholarship, DeBeers Mining Company) “We must find new lands from which we can easily obtain raw materials and at the same time exploit the cheap slave labour that is available from the natives of the colonies. The colonies would also provide a dumping ground for the surplus goods produced in our factories.”

Diamond Rings 1939: DeBeers hires N.W. Ayer and Company to make diamonds “a psychological necessity…the larger the diamond, the greater the expression of love.” 1939: DeBeers hires N.W. Ayer and Company to make diamonds “a psychological necessity…the larger the diamond, the greater the expression of love.” By 1942, 80% of engagements in U.S. consecrated with diamond rings (still true today) By 1942, 80% of engagements in U.S. consecrated with diamond rings (still true today) Diamonds first worn by stars to the Oscars in 1942 Diamonds first worn by stars to the Oscars in 1942

Diamond Rings 1947: “A diamond is forever” slogan born 1947: “A diamond is forever” slogan born Jewelers instructed to tell (pressure?) men - who buy 90% of all diamonds – to spend at least 2 months salary on the ring Jewelers instructed to tell (pressure?) men - who buy 90% of all diamonds – to spend at least 2 months salary on the ring Later: Anniversary diamonds Later: Anniversary diamonds

Pet Jewelry: The Diamond Dog Collar

Diamond Rings 1999: Advertising Age magazine declares “A Diamond is Forever” slogan the most effective of the 20 th Century 1999: Advertising Age magazine declares “A Diamond is Forever” slogan the most effective of the 20 th Century Recognized by 90% of Americans Recognized by 90% of Americans 2003: De Beers begins to market diamonds to single women 2003: De Beers begins to market diamonds to single women “Your left hand says ‘we,’ your right hand says ‘me.’” “Your left hand says ‘we,’ your right hand says ‘me.’”

Diamonds: Profits and Losses 120 million carats rough diamonds mined for jewelry per year weigh 24 tons, worth approximately U.S.$12 billion 120 million carats rough diamonds mined for jewelry per year weigh 24 tons, worth approximately U.S.$12 billion 1 carat diamond retails for $350-$750 in the U.S. 1 carat diamond retails for $350-$750 in the U.S. Cost less than $2 billion to extract Cost less than $2 billion to extract Ultimately sell for over $50 billion Ultimately sell for over $50 billion

Diamonds: Profits and Losses Workers desperately poor but hoping to strike it rich in “casino economy” Workers desperately poor but hoping to strike it rich in “casino economy” Work under dangerous, unhealthy conditions for pittance Work under dangerous, unhealthy conditions for pittance Diamonds may be embedded in asbestos Diamonds may be embedded in asbestos Workers suffer from cancer, leukemia, silicosis Workers suffer from cancer, leukemia, silicosis

Diamonds: Profits and Losses Middlemen, diamond dealers and exporters earn the lion’s share of profits Middlemen, diamond dealers and exporters earn the lion’s share of profits Most foreign nationals Most foreign nationals Very little profit re-invested in local communities Very little profit re-invested in local communities

Diamonds: Human Rights Abuses, Conflict and Terrorism Mine owners violate indigenous peoples’ rights via destruction of traditional homelands and forced resettlement Mine owners violate indigenous peoples’ rights via destruction of traditional homelands and forced resettlement Mining hastens environmental degradation of ecosystems already under severe stress Mining hastens environmental degradation of ecosystems already under severe stress

Diamonds: Human Rights Abuses, Conflict and Terrorism Diamonds have been used by rebel armies in Angola, Sierra Leone the Democratic Republic of the Congo to pay for weapons used to fight brutal civil wars Diamonds have been used by rebel armies in Angola, Sierra Leone the Democratic Republic of the Congo to pay for weapons used to fight brutal civil wars Child soldiers Child soldiers Forced labor Forced labor Sex slavery, HIV Sex slavery, HIV Terrorize local populations (e.g., RUF in Sierra Leone killed and mutilated thousands via amputations with machetes and axes in 1990s) Terrorize local populations (e.g., RUF in Sierra Leone killed and mutilated thousands via amputations with machetes and axes in 1990s)

Diamonds: Human Rights Abuses, Conflict and Terrorism Al Qaeda and Hizbollah have used diamond monies to: Al Qaeda and Hizbollah have used diamond monies to: Fund terror cells Fund terror cells Hide money targeted by financial institutions Hide money targeted by financial institutions Launder profits from criminal activity Launder profits from criminal activity Convert cash into a commodity that is easily transportable and holds its value Convert cash into a commodity that is easily transportable and holds its value

Diamonds: Human Rights Abuses, Conflict and Terrorism Smuggled and illicit conflict diamonds may amount to as much as 10-15% of diamond jewelry sold worldwide Smuggled and illicit conflict diamonds may amount to as much as 10-15% of diamond jewelry sold worldwide U.S. State Dept. U.S. State Dept.

Gold Dominant role throughout history in the growth of empires and the evolution of the world’s financial institutions Dominant role throughout history in the growth of empires and the evolution of the world’s financial institutions

Uses of Gold 80-90% of gold mined today turned into jewelry 80-90% of gold mined today turned into jewelry 10-20% used by industry 10-20% used by industry Special properties: malleable, ductile, good thermal conductivity, durable, and resistance to corrosion Special properties: malleable, ductile, good thermal conductivity, durable, and resistance to corrosion Used by Catherine de Medici as poison and by physicians to treat rheumatoid arthritis Used by Catherine de Medici as poison and by physicians to treat rheumatoid arthritis

History of Gold 4000 B.C.: gold first fashioned into decorative objects 4000 B.C.: gold first fashioned into decorative objects By 1500 B.C.: the standard medium of exchange for international trade By 1500 B.C.: the standard medium of exchange for international trade Mid-1800s: Gold rushes in California and South Africa Mid-1800s: Gold rushes in California and South Africa

Gold Production Top producers: South Africa, United States, Australia, Indonesia, and China Top producers: South Africa, United States, Australia, Indonesia, and China 2500 tons mined each year 2500 tons mined each year Valued at $21 billion Valued at $21 billion Typical piece of gold jewelry sells for at least 4 times the value of the gold itself Typical piece of gold jewelry sells for at least 4 times the value of the gold itself

The Wedding Ring Formulated from a variety of minerals throughout history Formulated from a variety of minerals throughout history As with diamonds, aggressive marketing has played a significant role in popularizing the gold wedding band As with diamonds, aggressive marketing has played a significant role in popularizing the gold wedding band

Where is the Gold? Currently 3 times more gold sits in bank vaults, in jewelry boxes, and with private investors than is identified in underground reserves Currently 3 times more gold sits in bank vaults, in jewelry boxes, and with private investors than is identified in underground reserves Enough gold to meet current consumer demand for 17 years Enough gold to meet current consumer demand for 17 years

Gold Mining: The Myth

Gold Mining: The Reality

Mining: The World’s Deadliest Industry Tens of thousands killed mining gold and other minerals over the last century Tens of thousands killed mining gold and other minerals over the last century 40 killed per day presently 40 killed per day presently Union-busting / human rights abuses help maintain cheap labor force Union-busting / human rights abuses help maintain cheap labor force

Mining: The World’s Deadliest Industry Local communities suffer environmental damage, pollution, dislocations Local communities suffer environmental damage, pollution, dislocations STDs rampant, spread by miners to wives and children STDs rampant, spread by miners to wives and children FGC FGC

The Resource Curse ½ of gold produced worldwide between 1995 and 2015 has or will come from indigenous peoples’ lands ½ of gold produced worldwide between 1995 and 2015 has or will come from indigenous peoples’ lands Dependence upon gold mining slows/reverses economic growth, increases poverty, and encourages governmental corruption Dependence upon gold mining slows/reverses economic growth, increases poverty, and encourages governmental corruption

The Resource Curse Benefits go to corrupt central governments and overseas corporations Benefits go to corrupt central governments and overseas corporations Little returned to local communities Little returned to local communities Casino economy Casino economy Rural and indigenous peoples evicted without prior consultation, meaningful compensation, or the offer of equivalent lands elsewhere Rural and indigenous peoples evicted without prior consultation, meaningful compensation, or the offer of equivalent lands elsewhere

The Resource Curse ¾ of active gold mining and exploration sites overlap with regions of high conservation value, such as National Parks and World Heritage Sites ¾ of active gold mining and exploration sites overlap with regions of high conservation value, such as National Parks and World Heritage Sites

U.S. Gold Mining Mining Law of 1872 Mining Law of 1872 Archaic law Archaic law Mine purchase price between $2.50 and $5.00 per acre Mine purchase price between $2.50 and $5.00 per acre Generous government subsidies Generous government subsidies Cheap fuel Cheap fuel Road building and other infrastructure Road building and other infrastructure Reclamation and cleanup Reclamation and cleanup

U.S. Gold Mining Local communities stuck with multi- million to multi-billion dollar environmental cleanup costs when mines declare bankruptcy or move on Local communities stuck with multi- million to multi-billion dollar environmental cleanup costs when mines declare bankruptcy or move on Native Americans’ rights violated Native Americans’ rights violated

Gold Mining Gold = Cyanide + Mercury At least 18 tons of mine waste created to obtain the gold for a single 3 oz., 18k ring At least 18 tons of mine waste created to obtain the gold for a single 3 oz., 18k ring Gold leached from ore using cyanide Gold leached from ore using cyanide Cyanide paralyzes cellular respiration Cyanide paralyzes cellular respiration

Gold Mining Gold = Cyanide + Mercury Mercury used to capture gold particles as an amalgam Mercury used to capture gold particles as an amalgam Mercury converted to methylmercury in environment Mercury converted to methylmercury in environment significant neurotoxin significant neurotoxin Minimata Disease Minimata Disease China, Brazil China, Brazil

Minimata Disease W Eugene Smith

Gold Mining Gold = Cyanide + Mercury 4000 tons used to purify gold during 19 th -Century Northern California Gold Rush 4000 tons used to purify gold during 19 th -Century Northern California Gold Rush Fish in Sacramento River and San Francisco Bay still show elevated levels Fish in Sacramento River and San Francisco Bay still show elevated levels

Gold Mining: Environmental Damage Contaminated groundwater often sits in large toxic lakes held in place by tenuous dams Contaminated groundwater often sits in large toxic lakes held in place by tenuous dams Release of cyanide and mercury into local waterways kills fish, harms fish- eating animals, and poisons drinking water Release of cyanide and mercury into local waterways kills fish, harms fish- eating animals, and poisons drinking water

Gold Mining: Environmental Damage Omai gold mine in Guyana (one of the largest open-pit mines in the world): Omai gold mine in Guyana (one of the largest open-pit mines in the world): Tailings dam failed in 1995 Tailings dam failed in billion cubic liters of cyanide-laden tailings renders downstream 32 miles of Omai River, home to 23,000 people, an “environmental disaster zone” 3 billion cubic liters of cyanide-laden tailings renders downstream 32 miles of Omai River, home to 23,000 people, an “environmental disaster zone”

Gold Mining: Environmental Damage Baia Mare gold mine in Romania Baia Mare gold mine in Romania Tailings dam broke in 2000 Tailings dam broke in ,000 metric tons of toxic wastwater spilled 100,000 metric tons of toxic wastwater spilled Fish killed, other animals harmed, drinking water of 2.5 million people in Danube River watershed Fish killed, other animals harmed, drinking water of 2.5 million people in Danube River watershed Coastal dumping of gold mine waste elsewhere damages estuaries and coral reefs Coastal dumping of gold mine waste elsewhere damages estuaries and coral reefs

Gold, Mercury and Malaria Mercury pollution contributes to the spread of malaria: Mercury pollution contributes to the spread of malaria: Mercury may lower immunity to malaria Mercury may lower immunity to malaria Still pools of water serve as mosquito breeding grounds Still pools of water serve as mosquito breeding grounds Migrant miners import new strains, infecting indigenous peoples Migrant miners import new strains, infecting indigenous peoples E.g., Thousands of Yanomami Indians killed in Brazil in late 1960s / early 1970s E.g., Thousands of Yanomami Indians killed in Brazil in late 1960s / early 1970s

Gold: Other Environmental Harms Gold smelting uses large amounts of energy and releases SO 2, nitrogen dioxide, and other components of acid rain Gold smelting uses large amounts of energy and releases SO 2, nitrogen dioxide, and other components of acid rain Contributes to asthma, skin ailments Contributes to asthma, skin ailments Release of lead causes lead poisoning Release of lead causes lead poisoning

Gold: Other Environmental Harms 40% of Western U.S. watersheds affected by gold mining pollution 40% of Western U.S. watersheds affected by gold mining pollution More than 25 mines (some still active) on Superfund list More than 25 mines (some still active) on Superfund list Mine pollution ruins farmlands and strains local food resources Mine pollution ruins farmlands and strains local food resources Water tables decline due to pumping of enormous quantity of water to release gold from ore Water tables decline due to pumping of enormous quantity of water to release gold from ore

Gold Mining Harms Women By displacing agriculture (where women play a major role), removes women from labor force By displacing agriculture (where women play a major role), removes women from labor force Concentrates economic power in hands of men Concentrates economic power in hands of men Diminishes women’s financial resources and educational, political, and legal opportunities Diminishes women’s financial resources and educational, political, and legal opportunities

Gold Mining Harms Women Mining employs a few women in low-level, clerical positions, where they face severe discrimination, sexual harassment, and firing for pregnancy Mining employs a few women in low-level, clerical positions, where they face severe discrimination, sexual harassment, and firing for pregnancy Women have to walk further to collect water Women have to walk further to collect water Utilization of child labor Utilization of child labor

Gold Mining: Human Rights Abuses Grassberg mine (world’s largest, owned by U.S.- based Freeport-McMoRan) Grassberg mine (world’s largest, owned by U.S.- based Freeport-McMoRan) On land seized from Amunge and Komoro peoples On land seized from Amunge and Komoro peoples Dumps tons of cyanide-laced waste into local rivers each day Dumps tons of cyanide-laced waste into local rivers each day Operators implicated in forced evictions, murders, rape, torture, extra-judicial killings, and arbitrary detentions Operators implicated in forced evictions, murders, rape, torture, extra-judicial killings, and arbitrary detentions Abetted by Indonesian military, which it has paid millions of dollars Abetted by Indonesian military, which it has paid millions of dollars

Gold Mining: Terrorism Echo Bay Mines Limited purportedly paid off Abu Sayef (affiliated with Al Qaeda) in exchange for protection of its Philippines-based gold mine Echo Bay Mines Limited purportedly paid off Abu Sayef (affiliated with Al Qaeda) in exchange for protection of its Philippines-based gold mine

Gold: Markets vs. Morals Mining industry maintains strong ties with governments to maintain status quo Mining industry maintains strong ties with governments to maintain status quo $21 million political contributions in U.S. between 1997 and 2001 $21 million political contributions in U.S. between 1997 and 2001 Subsidies make it cheaper to extract new gold than to recycle existing gold Subsidies make it cheaper to extract new gold than to recycle existing gold

Gold: Markets vs. Morals U.S. government has 8,134 tons of gold secured in vaults (worth approximately $122 billion) U.S. government has 8,134 tons of gold secured in vaults (worth approximately $122 billion) Federal Reserve and other major central banks have agreed to severely restrict sales from their reserves, offering, in effect, a price support to gold Federal Reserve and other major central banks have agreed to severely restrict sales from their reserves, offering, in effect, a price support to gold

Gold: Markets vs. Morals Gold mining supported by World Bank and its profit-making arm, the International Finance Corporation Gold mining supported by World Bank and its profit-making arm, the International Finance Corporation Gold industry blocking International Monetary Fund- and World Bank- sponsored debt-forgiveness package Gold industry blocking International Monetary Fund- and World Bank- sponsored debt-forgiveness package

Symbols of Love: Alternatives and Solutions Flowers: Flowers: Grow your own Grow your own Purchase locally- or internationally-produced, organically-grown, labor-friendly bouquets Purchase locally- or internationally-produced, organically-grown, labor-friendly bouquets Farmers’ markets Farmers’ markets Whole Foods Whole Foods Others Others

Symbols of Love: Alternatives and Solutions Flowers: Flowers: Consumer education Consumer education Pressure on supermarkets, florists Pressure on supermarkets, florists Boycotts → voluntary eco-labels in Europe Boycotts → voluntary eco-labels in Europe NGOs developing industry standards NGOs developing industry standards Food First Information Action Network’ Flower Campaign → voluntary International Code of Conduct Food First Information Action Network’ Flower Campaign → voluntary International Code of Conduct

Symbols of Love: Alternatives and Solutions Flowers: Flowers: Veriflora Certification System: Veriflora Certification System: Organic production with phaseout of pesticides Organic production with phaseout of pesticides Water conservation Water conservation Safe waste management Safe waste management Mitigation of previous environmental damage Mitigation of previous environmental damage Fair labor practices / fair wages / overtime pay / right to organize Fair labor practices / fair wages / overtime pay / right to organize Unannounced audits ensure compliance Unannounced audits ensure compliance

Symbols of Love: Alternatives and Solutions Flowers: Flowers: Veriflora Certification System: Campaign focused on Veriflora Certification System: Campaign focused on supermarkets (29% of U.S. flower sales, market share increasing, 50 major companies) supermarkets (29% of U.S. flower sales, market share increasing, 50 major companies) Less focus currently on wholesalers (1200 nationwide) and florists (30,000, 47% of market share) Less focus currently on wholesalers (1200 nationwide) and florists (30,000, 47% of market share) Society of American Florists yet to endorse Society of American Florists yet to endorse

Symbols of Love: Alternatives and Solutions Diamonds: Diamonds: Consider alternatives to traditional engagement ring Consider alternatives to traditional engagement ring Cubic zirconium Cubic zirconium Synthetic/cultured diamonds Synthetic/cultured diamonds LifeGems (diamonds created from carbon captured during cremation of human and animal remains!) LifeGems (diamonds created from carbon captured during cremation of human and animal remains!) Other Other

Symbols of Love: Alternatives and Solutions Diamonds: Diamonds: Purchase only verifiable conflict-free diamonds Purchase only verifiable conflict-free diamonds cut, color, clarity, and conflict cut, color, clarity, and conflict Query jewelers, consumer education, boycotts, protests, shareholder activism Query jewelers, consumer education, boycotts, protests, shareholder activism

Symbols of Love: Alternatives and Solutions Diamonds: Kimberly Process Certification Scheme Diamonds: Kimberly Process Certification Scheme Requires rough controls to assure conflict-free diamonds Requires rough controls to assure conflict-free diamonds Governments license miners Governments license miners Diamond traders utilize sealed, tamper-proof containers Diamond traders utilize sealed, tamper-proof containers Integrated computer databases in importing and exporting countries catch discrepancies Integrated computer databases in importing and exporting countries catch discrepancies

Symbols of Love: Alternatives and Solutions Diamonds: Kimberly Process Certification Scheme Diamonds: Kimberly Process Certification Scheme Importing countries enact strict customs regulations, backed by thorough inspections and harsh penalties Importing countries enact strict customs regulations, backed by thorough inspections and harsh penalties Supported by diamond industry and UN General Assembly Supported by diamond industry and UN General Assembly Involved countries (69) slow and often ineffective in enacting Scheme Involved countries (69) slow and often ineffective in enacting Scheme

Symbols of Love: Alternatives and Solutions U.S. Clean Diamond Act of 2003 U.S. Clean Diamond Act of 2003 Mandates participation in Kimberly Process Certification scheme Mandates participation in Kimberly Process Certification scheme Money from fines (up to $10,000 for civil and $50,000 for criminal penalties) and seized contraband earmarked for victims of armed conflict Money from fines (up to $10,000 for civil and $50,000 for criminal penalties) and seized contraband earmarked for victims of armed conflict Implementation slow Implementation slow

Symbols of Love: Alternatives and Solutions Diamond industry supports self-regulation Diamond industry supports self-regulation Amnesty International/Global Witness 2004 survey Amnesty International/Global Witness 2004 survey 1/5 of companies responding able to provide a meaningful account of their policies 1/5 of companies responding able to provide a meaningful account of their policies Less than ½ of jewelry retailers able to give consumers meaningful reassurances that diamonds conflict-free Less than ½ of jewelry retailers able to give consumers meaningful reassurances that diamonds conflict-free

Safe Diamonds (?)

Symbols of Love: Alternatives and Solutions Gold: Gold: No Dirty Gold Campaign: No Dirty Gold Campaign: Halt to production and sale of gold produced at expense of communities, workers, and the environment Halt to production and sale of gold produced at expense of communities, workers, and the environment Mining companies not to operate in areas of armed conflict Mining companies not to operate in areas of armed conflict Take the pledge at Take the pledge at System similar to Kimberly Process System similar to Kimberly Process

No Dirty Gold Campaign Companies pledged: Companies pledged: Zale Corporation Zale Corporation Signet Group (parent firm of Sterling and Kay jewelers) Signet Group (parent firm of Sterling and Kay jewelers) Tiffany and Company Tiffany and Company Helzberg Diamonds Helzberg Diamonds Fortunoff Fortunoff

No Dirty Gold Campaign Companies pledged: Companies pledged: Cartier Cartier Piaget Piaget Van Cleef and Arpels Van Cleef and Arpels Fred Meyer Jewelers Fred Meyer Jewelers TurningPoint TurningPoint Michael’s Jewelers Michael’s Jewelers

No Dirty Gold Campaign Companies that have not pledged: Companies that have not pledged: Rolex Rolex JC Penney JC Penney Wal-Mart Wal-Mart Whitehall Jewelers Whitehall Jewelers Jostens Jostens QVC QVC Sears/Kmart Sears/Kmart

Symbols of Love: Alternatives and Solutions Gold: Gold: International Labor Organization’s Convention #169 Concerning Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countires International Labor Organization’s Convention #169 Concerning Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countires Requires culturally-relevant consultation before appropriation of indigenous peoples’ lands and that indigenous peoples participate in benefits of mining Requires culturally-relevant consultation before appropriation of indigenous peoples’ lands and that indigenous peoples participate in benefits of mining Signed and ratified by 17 countries (but none of major gold mining countries) Signed and ratified by 17 countries (but none of major gold mining countries)

Symbols of Love: Alternatives and Solutions Gold: Gold: Consumer pressure, boycotts, shareholder resolutions Consumer pressure, boycotts, shareholder resolutions Consider recycled/vintage gold, eco-friendly gold, alternatives to traditional wedding ring/class ring Consider recycled/vintage gold, eco-friendly gold, alternatives to traditional wedding ring/class ring Develop biological and chemical treatments to decrease/destroy cyanide, mercury and other mining contaminants Develop biological and chemical treatments to decrease/destroy cyanide, mercury and other mining contaminants

Safe Gold

Symbols of Love: Alternatives and Solutions Consider alternative tokens of affection Consider alternative tokens of affection Homemade gifts (cards, photo collages, videos, poems, meals, home improvement projects) Homemade gifts (cards, photo collages, videos, poems, meals, home improvement projects) Donations to charities Donations to charities Eco-jewelry made from recycled materials by indigenous peoples Eco-jewelry made from recycled materials by indigenous peoples Profits returned to local communities, providing wide-ranging social and economic benefit Profits returned to local communities, providing wide-ranging social and economic benefit

Conclusions Cut flowers, diamonds, and gold as symbols of love are cultural constructs perpetuated in part by the persuasive marketing efforts of multinational corporations Cut flowers, diamonds, and gold as symbols of love are cultural constructs perpetuated in part by the persuasive marketing efforts of multinational corporations Production involves significant damage to local communities and the environment and harms men, women and children Production involves significant damage to local communities and the environment and harms men, women and children

Conclusions Production supports human rights abuses, armed conflict, and even terrorism Production supports human rights abuses, armed conflict, and even terrorism Symbols of love should not be constant reminders of death and destruction Symbols of love should not be constant reminders of death and destruction Consider alternative symbols of love Consider alternative symbols of love Work for social justice and change Work for social justice and change

Paper/References Donohoe MT. Flowers, diamonds, and gold: The destructive human rights and environmental consequences of symbols of love. Human Rights Quarterly 2008 (February, in press).

Chocolate Child Slavery Child Slavery Unfair Labor Practices Unfair Labor Practices Only 1% of the $13 billion U.S. chocolate market is fair trade Only 1% of the $13 billion U.S. chocolate market is fair trade Buy fair trade chocolate Buy fair trade chocolate Eliminates middlemen, certified by Fairtrade Labeling Organization International, which conducts annual inspections for unethical practices Eliminates middlemen, certified by Fairtrade Labeling Organization International, which conducts annual inspections for unethical practices E.g., Divine Chocolate, made by London-based Day Chocolate Company E.g., Divine Chocolate, made by London-based Day Chocolate Company