Your New Cell Phone Could Be Killing Gorillas, But There is Something You Can Do About It [PETITION]

The world’s gorillas are facing extinction, and cell phones and electronics are partly to blame. According to a petition on Care2 written by the Wildlife Conservation Society, gorillas and other wildlife are being killed to be fed to miners and militia members in conflict areas like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). As a result, the Eastern lowland gorilla, often referred to as Grauer’s gorillas, who are only found in the DRC, have become listed as “critically endangered.”

The “conflict minerals” in the DRC are used in cell phones, computers, other electronics, and jewelry.  The petition states that in 2012, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) saw the mining conflict as a serious global threat to biodiversity, and they instated legislation that would stop the U.S. from trading with those involved in conflict minerals. However, according to the petition, the current Administration is trying to end this rule that has effectively led to the removal of weapons and violence in 204 mining sites in the DRC.

If you are concerned your future cell phones and gadgets will be sourced by conflict minerals and contribute to the slaughter of gorillas, please take a moment to sign this petition demanding that consumers are assured their electronics and jewelry are not made of conflict minerals. The consumer has the power to create change, so please be sure to share this with your family and friends – the gorillas are counting on you to speak out!

Image Source: Wildlife Conservation Society / Care2