01/17/2008, 7:15pm, EST
Thursday, January 17th
Greenpeace applauds Apple, MacBook Air
Greenpeace today applauded Apple for the release of its new MacBook Air laptop, calling the device "a winner" and a strong entry in the race to build a green PC. The organization commends Apple's decision to ship a mercury and arsenic-free laptop, which Greenpeace says exceeds European Standards and raises the bar for the rest of the industry. Apple is on the right track, according to activists, and needs to make environmental leadership the theme of all of its products -- both old and new.
"For us though the highlight of the show, was Steve talking about the environment in his keynote speech for the first time," Greenpeace said. "It's a big step for Steve and we would like to congratulate all the Apple fans who helped us with our greenmyapple campaign."
Jobs in early May published an open letter to the public to discuss Apple's then current and future environmental concerns. The letter came after criticism came from environmental organizations as well as company shareholders. The executive promised to remove the inclusion of toxic chemicals in Apple products, and outlined a revamped recycling program for iPods.
Greenpeace lauded Jobs' open letter, praising his decision to phase out polyvinyl chloride and brominated fire retardants (BFRs) by 2008. The organization still criticized Apple's planned recycling program, however, because it will only apply to U.S. residents.
Today Greenpeace commended Apple as well as Jobs, but reminded both that its MacBook Air is not entirely free of hazardous chemicals.
"Had [the MacBook Air] been [free of hazardous chemicals,] it would have made Apple an ecological leader," the organization said. "We can almost taste that Green Apple, unfortunately it’s not ripe yet."
Filed under: Apple, industry
Other story tags: MacBook Air, MWSF 08, Greenpeace
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Apple - good step in the right direction. Lead this industry to a healthier future please.
Moreover, targeting Apple is smart. First, Apple claims to be an innovator. Second, the Nobel Peace Prize winner for his enviromental efforts sit on Apple's Board. Third, unlike other companies, Apple has traditioonally kept it's environmental efforts quiet.
More importantly, Greenpeace's efforts have seemed to work. Apple is being more open about its environmental practices and actively trying to improve. That is to everyone's benefit and I certainly do not feel bad for Apple.
Greenpeace is speaking for your well-being, and the well-being of your children, and their children, and so on. The US Government isn't doing exactly a stellar job watching out for you (unless you enjoy poisoned pet food and lead paint on your toys), so someone needs to do it.
Without organizations like Greenpeace and PETA holding companies responsible for their actions, the world would be a much worse place.
"Without organizations like Greenpeace and PETA holding companies responsible for their actions, the world would be a much worse place."
You're kidding right? How old are you? We don't need these opportunistic organizations telling us how to conserve and protect. We have plenty of organizations and individuals who go unsung because they really care about the environment and pets.