Greenpeace urges more environmental action from Apple

Mac maker not quite green to the core, says environmental group

Andrea-Marie Vassou, Computeract!ve 08 May 2007

The environmental group Greenpeace has given a cautious welcome to Apple's commitment to becoming a more environmentally friendly company.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs issued the a statement earlier this week after being “criticised by some environmental organisations for not being a leader in removing toxic chemicals from its new products, and for not aggressively or properly recycling its old products.”

Greenpeace, which in April criticised Apple's record on eliminating toxins from its manufacturing process and failure to put a recycling scheme in place, said that more precautions were needed to make the company a “green Apple.”

Zeina Al-Hajj, spokeswoman for Greenpeace said: “The fact that the company has gone public with its green policies is a step in the right direction but more needs to be done.

"We are pleased to see that the company has set 2008 as its cut off for the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and brominated fire retardents (BFRs) but we are disappointed that there is no hint of a commitment to create a green product. We would have expected Apple to introduce one into the market some time ago but have yet to see any firm plans,” she told Computeractive.

“We would therefore like to see the iPhone, which is out in June, be made completely green and free of PVC and BFRs.” Ms Al-Hajj said this could be “easily done” as Nokia had already produced a similar product.

The organisation also questioned Apple's recycling scheme outlined in the statement. “We are pleased Apple has a recycling scheme in place but we are concerned about the double standards it brings,” said Ms Al-Hajj.

This is because although Apple has given its customers the opportunity to return their iPods for recycling globally, it currently only offers US customers the chance return other products.

“Everyone deserves to be given the opportunity to recycle every Apple product and it is unfair of the company not to do this, she said.

In his statement he said that Apple's policy of not talking about its future plans had led to misconceptions about its green credentials. He outlined plans to eliminate or reduce the use of other chemicals including Arsenic and Mercury as well as plans to release its first Mac with LED backlight technology this year.

He also promised to keep the public updated with any future green plans, something Ms Al-Hajj said the organisation looked "forward to hearing about.

Apple is not the first company to release such a statement following criticism from Greenpeace. Last month Sony released its environmental statement outlining its plans for recycling and the elimination of BFRs and PVCs.

The statement read: “In Europe, Sony is establishing systems for the collection and recycling of waste electrical and electronic products with the aim of achieving extended producer responsibility while encouraging competition in the recycling market.

“Recycling of packaging, in particular, is common practice throughout Europe . For batteries and packaging, Sony fulfills its obligation through membership in collection and recycling schemes wherever applicable,” it said.

However, the company would not match Apple's commitment to eliminate PVC and BFRs. “Sony cannot honestly commit to a total phase out schedule for all BFR and PVC from all products as requested by Greenpeace before we could find alternatives that meet safety and Sony’s quality standards,” it said.