Greenpeace lauds new iPods, asks for more efforts
updated 03:10 pm EDT, Thu September 11, 2008
Greenpeace on new iPods
Apple has made yet more environmental progress with its latest iPods, but still has more to accomplish, claims Greenpeace. The activist organization notes that the latest iPod nano has a number of positive checkpoints, such as arsenic-free glass, and a complete lack of mercury, PVC or brominated flame retardants (BFRs), all of which are said to be toxic in varying degrees. Though not immediately dangerous, the chemicals can form a cumulative threat when deposited en-masse in landfills.
Greenpeace also praises Apple for aiming to phase out toxins by the end of 2008, and increase recycling by 2010, but suggests that there is still room for improvement. The group notes that it is comparatively easy to eliminate PVC and BFRs from handheld devices, because they require less power, and therefore produce less heat. It is Macs, Greenpeace says, that are the true challenge, and Apple would be an industry leader if none of its computers used the chemicals.
The organization also calls on Apple to implement a free recycling program available worldwide, a move which would divert tons of waste from landfills.
Greenpeace has been sharply critical of Apple in the past, most recently in regards to the iPhone 3G, which was attacked for containing the same toxins found in the original iPhone.
g'peace never happy
09/11, 03:20pm reply
let's face it. despite providing positive feedback on apple's environmental efforts, greenpeace had to add "can do more" to the mix.
let's face it. the only time greenpeace will ever approve of apple completely is if they take over the entire company.
JohnnyFive
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Joined: Feb 2003
In the first half...
09/11, 03:31pm (1 reply) reply
...of the 20th Century it was proven beyond any shadow of a doubt that socialism leads to poverty.
Instead of recanting their foolish ways, the socialists made poverty a virtue and became environmentalists.
kaisdaddy
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Joined: Apr 2005
nope...
09/11, 03:31pm reply
The only way Greenpeace will ever totally approve of Apple, is if Apple dumps tons of 'donations' on Greenpeace, just like the the others of the industry are doing.
hp and others are greater polluters, but they get thumbs up from Greenpeace - why? Because they pay Greenpeace.
Environmental responsibility, just like everything else, is for sale. Greenpeace aptly demonstrates this.
ZinkDifferent
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I wonder...
09/11, 03:34pm (1 reply) reply
how environmentally friendly those boat engines are on the water crafts that Greenpeace uses when chasing down other environmentally non friendly craft on the open seas?
MeandmyMac
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Joined: Feb 2008
It takes time
09/11, 03:41pm reply
I think it is obvious that Apple is serious about this, but that they are waiting for major product redesigns before making environmentally-oriented changes. This is really more sensible, as the changes can be folded into existing R&D, and already-planned changes to manufacturing.
njfuzzy
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Joined: Apr 2001
Typical..
09/11, 03:47pm reply
Greenpeace wont be happy until all Apple products are made from lentils, sun dried badger turds and orange peel.
Grrr
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Joined: Jun 2001
Computer Recycling
09/11, 03:52pm reply
Just do a Google search, free computer recycling is offered all over, why does Apple have to be responsible for creating yet another recycling service, it consumes energy to do all of that, so why have more programs around than needed.
Roehlstation
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Joined: Aug 2001
Perfect...
09/11, 04:08pm (1 reply) reply
I love it when MacNN puts Greenpeace in the title. That way I can just skip reading it. :P
eldarkus
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Joined: Feb 2004
Nothing is free...
09/11, 04:10pm reply
so how about Greenpeace put THEIR money where THEIR mouth is and underwrite some of these costly "free" recycling programs they DEMAND of others?
TomSawyer
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Joined: Jan 2008
must be s'thing wrong
09/11, 05:09pm reply
If Greenpeace is happy, Apple must be doing something wrong.
chadpengar
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Joined: Oct 2001