EPA ranks Apple products

The Environmental Protection Agency has ranked Apple notebooks as the most environmentally-friendly portable computers in its EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool), according to a recent New York Times article. Computers ranked in the list must meet 23 mandatory criteria, and can optionally meet up to 28 additional criteria for to receive one of a bronze, silver, or gold medal. While no PC manufacturers scored a gold medal, Apple's MacBook Pro led the way for portables with all models meeting 17 optional criteria and receiving silver medals, according to Ars Technica. The company's Mac Pro met 16 optional criteria above the required 23, and its 20-, 23-, and 30-inch Cinema Displays met 15 optional criteria above the minimum required. The Greenpeace organization in late October of 2006 protested Apple's manufacturing processes at the Apple Expo in London, but was shown the door after Expo organizers reportedly received several complaints from unnamed sources.

Greenpeace recently published a report ranking Apple as the worst technology company with regard to environmental issues, grading 14 top manufacturers of personal computers and cellular phones on manufacturing processes. The organization later 'greened' Apple's flagship Fifth Avenue store in New York City, shining green lights into the glass cube to protest the use of toxic substances as they strive to encourage a 'greener Apple.'

by MacNN Staff