The Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce, (RSA) in partnership with Canon Europe, have unveiled a seven-meter tall robot next to London’s City Hall. This project attempts to encourage the technology industry to take more environmental responsibility.

The so-called WEEE man, is made of electronic waste such as lighting, medical and household appliances, and symbolises the amount of electronic waste an average UK citizen discards in a lifetime – 90% of which currently goes to landfill.

In 2006 the EU will introduce WEEE (Waste, Electrical and Electronic Equipment) legislation, to put the financial responsibility upon manufacturers to recycle their electronic products. The WEEE man is part of a campaign to highlight this legislation. It also aims to make people more conscious of the environmental damage that electronic waste could have in the long run.

I went to the City Hall for a closer look this morning and had a chance to talk to some of the people passing by.

“I had absolutely no idea that one person could generate such amount of waste. I think this initiative will truly make a difference. We ought look after our planet” Shelia Dez, said.

“Interesting project, but I have my doubts to whether or not it will change the way big companies deal with electronic waste and environmental schemes. I sadly believe that is not in the companies’ interest to protect the world.” Carl Turner said.

“I saw it on TV and came straight down from Kent, I think the statue is actually quite dangerous and fragile, it looks as if it could fall on our heads any minute. I really don’t like it,” Alan Ramsy commented.

Today the RSA, also launched an educational WEEE man website where you can learn more about the benefits of recycling and gain advice on what you can do to help. The WEEE man will be standing at the South Bank for a month.