One of my favorite – and most thought provoking – NY Times op-ed columnists Nicholas Kristof had an interesting column a couple of weeks ago titled “Death by Gadget in Congo“. The column discusses how the sale of minerals – called “conflict minerals” – used in computers and other high tech gadgetry (e.g. cell phones) in part finance the bloody war in Congo and the article provides a good introduction to the topic.
A good place to continue for more information is the homepage of ENOUGHproject which is trying to raise awareness about conflict minerals – including their flickr photo stream featuring images from Congo and their conflict mineral 101 youtube clip:
And finally, take action by spreading the word and writing to the most influential electronic gadget makers!