Apple Grrl

Recently we posted about Greenpeace ranking Apple low on the environmentally friendly “green company” scale. Above all else, Apple prides itself on having its finger on the pulse of what its customers want and need and immediately taking care of any customer service issue. True to form, Jobs himself has responded to Greenpeace regarding Apple’s environmental practices. You have to love a company who works so hard to make it’s loyal fans happy. You can read his full letter, A Greener Apple, here.

Apple laid out plans to eliminate certain chemicals, such as arsenic, immediately. It also outlined plans to phase out the current screens and go to LCD backlit screens that are more environmentally friendly, though that move will take years to complete. All in all Jobs’ letter addressed a number of the Greenpeace concerns in what I consider a satisfactory manner.

Some points from the letter:

Apple plans to completely eliminate the use of arsenic in all of its displays by the end of 2008.

Apple plans to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of mercury by transitioning to LED backlighting for all displays when technically and economically feasible.

Apple plans to completely eliminate the use of PVC and BFRs in its products by the end of 2008.

Apple started recycling in 1994 and today we operate recycling programs in countries where more than 82% of all Macs and iPods are sold. By the end of this year, that figure will increase to 93%.

All the e-waste we collect in North America is processed in the U.S., and nothing is shipped overseas for disposal.

I’m pleased to see Apple working so hard to be a green company, and glad Jobs addressed the issue so quickly.

Author: Leslie Poston, © 2007, All Rights Reserved

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