Firm drops shareholder resolution, applauds Apple

Trillium Asset Management, the investment group which announced last week that it would urge Apple to go green at its annual shareholder's meeting, today withdrew its resolution and applauded the Cupertino-based company's environmental efforts revealed yesterday in an open letter written by CEO Steve Jobs. "With Apple’s new commitment to eliminate PVC and BFR’s in all products in 2008, the company has taken its rightful place in the environmental leaders’ circle," said Shelley Alpern, vice president of Trillium Asset Management. "With Apple's announced plan to eliminate BFR's and PVC in 2008 they have addressed the most specific issue raised by our resolution. Now, we're looking forward to seeing Apple move from aspiration to implementation, as its new, less toxic products enter the marketplace over the next year."

Sanford Lewis, attorney and author of the resolution also expressed content for Apple's disclosure on environmental issues.

"Apple’s announcement makes its chemical policies far more transparent," said Lewis. "This is great news for the environment and for Apple computer users [...] As a longtime Apple user myself, I'm looking forward to obtaining a greener Apple just as soon as they're available."

Lewis noted that the company's next frontiers will be to reinforce the steps announced May 2nd with a "commitment to eliminate all persistent and bioaccumulative toxic chemicals" and to adoption of the "precautionary principle" as an operative principle of design, thereby cementing Apple's leadership role.

Environmental group Greenpeace today also lauded Apple's move toward a greener future for the company, backing two of Jobs' decisions but maintaining reserve about the current and future recycling programs.

Filed under: Apple