Plastic CD and DVD Jewelcases
are made of toxic PVCs. Here are some facts and solutions to the PVC Jewel case dilemma:

The Jewelcase Problem: This is easily the biggest consideration when approaching the issue of how to produce your CDs or DVDs in an environmentally friendly way. A typical CD jewelcase is made up of 85 grams of PolyVinyl Chloride (PVC). The production of these petrochemical plastics releases dangerous toxins into the atmosphere. When the CD case is no longer needed, it either sits for thousands of years in landfills (PVC is not biodegradable) or is incinerated, which releases dioxin into the atmosphere, one of the most toxic carcinogens on the planet. A single 1,000 order of replicated CDs, using standard plastic jewel cases creates nearly 200 lbs. of one of the most dangerously toxic chemicals on the planet today.

Solution: (RECYCLE YOUR CD JEWELCASES HERE) Avoid companies that will package your CDs in new plastic jewelcases. Earthology Records is the only nonprofit environmental Record Company in existense who actually provides CD duplication/replication with 100% recycled/reused plastic jewelcases. This is, by far, the most environmentally friendly way to package your CDs. There are many CD production companies who also offer cardboard jewelcases, but the cardboard is not post-consumer recycled and is saturated with toxic lacquers and inks. As if that wasn't bad enough, inside the cardboard case you still have a PVC tray that holds the CD. This route is certainly better than going with new plastic jewelcases, but creates its own host of pollutants and perpetuates the problem of deforestation.

If you do choose the cardboard case route, ask if the company will use soy ink and a water based lacquer. Companies like Oasis CD also offer the recycled cardboard "Rough Look" packaging. This is a good step in the right direction, but the cardboard still arrives in a PVC sleeve and the jewelcase has no spine, so radio stations will not add it to their libraries and most record stores will refuse to stock them. These also require more packaging when mailing, since there's no actual case protecting the CD, other than the sleeve.

Polyvinyl chloride, commonly known as "PVC" or "vinyl," is one of the most widely used synthetic materials today due to its durability and versatility. Common uses include piping, vinyl siding, vinyl flooring, electrical insulation, windows, toys, medical equipment, cloth and paper coating, packaging, and countless other plastic products.

Health Risks
PVC is a major precursor to dioxin formation and therefore poses many serious health risks to humans throughout the life cycle of the product. Dioxin was listed as one of the twelve priority pollutants slated for worldwide reduction and/or elimination (UNEP, 1995) at the UN global convention on persistent organic pollutants. Additionally, the EPA has stated that dioxin is 300,000 times more potent a carcinogen than DDT (Greenpeace, 1998).

Manufacture
The manufacturing of PVC produces highly toxic byproducts including dioxin, hydrochloric acid, and vinyl chloride. These three toxins have been linked to severe health problems including cancer, diabetes, neurological damage, reproductive and birth defects. In fact, cancer blooms have been observed in areas where PVC production facilities exist. For example, four workers at the same PVC production plant in Kentucky were diagnosed with an extremely rare liver sarcoma that typically shows up in only 25 people each year (CDC, 1997).

Disposal
Another major problem with PVC is that its many additives make it difficult to recycle. In fact, less than 1% of post-consumer PVC is currently being recycled. Therefore, waste PVC products are usually landfilled or incinerated. Problems arise in the incineration of PVC because PVC contains chlorine. Burning chlorinated plastic leads to the formation and release of dioxins and other toxic chemicals. Additionally, incineration of PVC leaves behind toxic ash that must also be disposed of. Landfilling is a preferable but not perfect alternative. PVC, like all plastics, is not biodegradable and therefore remains in landfills indefinitely. Additionally, it has been speculated that toxic chemicals leach out of PVC wastes and can potentially contaminate soil and ground water. However, because landfilling does not involve incineration, dioxin release is not an immediate problem (except in the case of accidental fire).

Yes. Virtually all products made of or containing PVC can be replaced with less harmful alternatives at a competitive cost. PVC is the only commonly used plastic that contains chlorine, and therefore the only one of these plastics which creates dioxin when incinerated. Polyethylene and polypropylene are two examples of chlorine free plastics that may sometimes be used in lieu of PVC. Additionally, in many cases traditional materials such as wood, metal, paper, glass and ceramics are viable alternatives to PVC use. Some companies such as Nike, The Body Shop, Volvo, Victoria's Secret, and IKEA have recognized health risks associated with PVC and have begun to phase out the use of PVC in their products.

1. Become a PVC Detective - Look up the recycling symbol "3" or "V" on bottles and other packaging. PVC bottles are usually clear plastic and very flexible; sometimes they have a distinct sweet plastic odor. Avoid buying products packaged in these bottles. Let us know what you find!

2. Recycle your CD Jewelcases: Earthology Records Alert: As of February 2007, we are temporarily not accepting jewel cases.

3.Vote with your dollars - Buying PVC products supports a toxic industry. If no one buys it, they simply won't make it anymore. Money is power, when it comes to your consumer dollar! If you are a musician, DO NOT have your CDs replicated in the conventional manner. Have your CDs replicated in an environmentally friendly way.

PVC Informational Links:

1) PVC: The Most Toxic Plastic
2) PVC Alternatives Database
3) Blue Vinyl -- See the environmental documentary on PVCs that everyone has been talking about!