20 million Brits dream of gadgets for Christmas19 December 2012
More than 20 million Britons are dreaming of unwrapping electronic gadgets like iPads, Kindles and smartphones this Christmas - says a new YouGov poll for Friends of the Earth.
And nearly 4 in 5 of us think manufacturers or governments should ensure that making gadgets doesn't harm the planet or people.
The survey comes as retailers brand 2012 a "tablet Christmas" - reporting one tablet sold every second.
It follows our shocking investigation into the devastation caused by mining for tin - an essential component in all electronic items.
Nearly a third of the world's tin is from Indonesia's Bangka islands. Friends of the Earth's research shows that it's almost certain some this tin ends up in Apple and Samsung products, although the companies may not have known this or about the devastating effect of mining on the island.
Millions of us are getting excited about new iPads and smartphones for Christmas - but many would be shocked to learn that mining tin that may end up in these items is killing coral and precious forests and wrecking the lives of communities in Indonesia."
Paul Steedman, Senior Campaigner, Friends of the Earth
The YouGov poll found that more than half (55%) of people believe manufacturers have the biggest responsibility for making sure people and the environment are protected in the making of their products, by ensuring their processes are safe and sustainable.
And a further quarter (24%) said governments, through laws and regulations they pass, should be most responsible for ensuring this happens.
Paul Steedman said:
"The majority of people say manufacturers and governments - not shoppers - should be responsible for ensuring they're made without harming people or the environment.
"That's why we're asking tablet makers to back new rules for companies to come clean about their supply chains - so we can love our favourite products, and love the way they're made."
Despite over 11,500 emails from customers and members of the public asking them to come clean about the tin in their gadgets, Samsung and Apple have so far refused to say if they use tin from Bangka.
