 19 jewelry retailers have made a commitment to responsible gold sourcing. This list includes QVC and Wal-Mart; a leading class rings company, Balfour; and the Canadian-based luxury jeweler, Birks & Mayors.
Unfortunately, Target, one of the largest retailers of gold jewelry, is not on this list -- despite our many efforts to convince them. We need your help to urge Target to step up to the plate.
You've sent thousands of e-mails and faxes to Target in the past. Now we're asking you to pick up the phone and deliver the message. Here's how:
- Call one of the Target stores listed below and ask to speak to the specified contact. For your convenience, we've listed stores in 4 different time zones.
- Please ask Target to ensure that it does not sell gold jewelry that was produced at the expense of communities, workers, and the environment. Here's a sample conversation:
"Hi, I'm a Target customer.
I want Target to make sure it isn't selling consumers "dirty" gold.
As you know, there are serious human rights and environmental problems associated with gold mining, just like blood diamonds.
I just read that some other leading stores, including Wal-Mart and Zales, have signed onto jewelry sourcing policies that will protect human rights and the environment. I urge Target to sign on as well.
They can do that at nodirtygold.org. Thank you."
- Finally, please click on the "Send My Message" button below to let us know that you called. Don't forget to tell us --
- which store you called,
- whether you were able to speak to the store manager, and
- what, if any, response you got to your message.
Thank you for taking action.
Sincerely,
The No Dirty Gold Campaign
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Call one of the Target stores listed below. Which one you call is up to you, but if you call a store out of your timezone, please remember you need to call during operating hours.
- After calling, use the "Send My Message" box to tell us how it went! Please tell us --
- Which store you called
- Whether you spoke to the store manager
- What response you got, if any.
- Clicking "Send My Message" will send your report to the No Dirty Gold campaign. We'll keep you posted on what response we get.
- Give yourself a pat on the back.
Target Stores to Call
California
Van Nuys
5711 Sepulveda Blvd
Van Nuys, CA 91411
(818) 779-0163
Ask for the manager of the jewelry department
Tell us how it went!
Colorado
Lakeside
5801 W 44th Ave
Denver, CO 80212
(303) 480-0512
Ask for the manager of the jewelry department Shannon Alexander
Tell us how it went!
Florida
Miami Dadeland
8350 S Dixie Hwy
Miami, FL 33143
(305) 668-0262
Ask for the store manager Maria Quintaneda
Tell us how it went!
Minnesota
Nicollet Mall
900 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 338-0085
Ask for the Leader on Duty
Tell us how it went!
New York
Atlantic Terminal Mall Target Store
139 Flatbush Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11217
(718) 290-1109
Ask for the Leader on Duty
Tell us how it went!
>>Learn More
Mining for gold is arguably the world's most polluting industry. Producing a single gold ring generates, on average, an astounding 20 tons of mine waste. And in places as diverse as Ghana, the United States, and Peru, gold mining operations have displaced people from their homes, destroyed traditional livelihoods, and damaged ecosystems.
Why Target Target?
More than 80 percent of gold is used to make jewelry. Minnesota-based Target Corporation is one of the largest retailers of jewelry in the U.S., with estimated sales of $415 million in 2005.
Despite the No Dirty Gold campaign's best efforts, Target has still not signed the Golden Rules criteria for more responsible gold production. For over a year, the campaign has engaged in dialogue with Target, sharing our concerns about the serious human rights and environmental problems associated with gold mining and asking for a commitment to more responsible sourcing.
The No Dirty Gold campaign's Golden Rules
The Golden Rules are based on the demands of communities directly affected by gold mining and their rights under UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Labor Organization Convention 169, and other international environmental and labor standards.
19 other companies, including 7 of the top 10 US jewelry retailers, have stepped up and signed the Golden Rules. So what's holding Target back?
Quick Facts:
- More than 80 percent of gold in the U.S. is used to make jewelry.
- U.S. gold jewelry sales were an estimated $18 billion in 2005, accounting for 33 percent of the $55 billion U.S. jewelry market.
- Nearly half of all people surveyed by the Jewelry Consumer Opinion Council call jewelry their favorite Valentine's Day gift.
- Jewelry is among the most popular Valentine's Day gifts, following cards and candy. 28 percent of shoppers gave a gift of jewelry last Valentine's Day.
- Seven of the top ten U.S. jewelry retail companies (by sales) have endorsed the No Dirty Gold campaign's Golden Rules. These companies are: Wal-Mart, Sterling, Zale Corp., QVC, Tiffany & Co., Helzberg Diamonds, and Fred Meyer Jewelers.
- The 19 companies in all who have endorsed the Golden Rules represent about $12 billion in jewelry sales, or 22 percent of the U.S. jewelry market.
|
