Green Options » greenmyapple http://greenoptions.com/tag/greenmyapple Posts tagged 'greenmyapple' Fri, 26 Jan 2007 13:40:23 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en Green My Apple http://meganprusynski.greenoptions.com/2007/01/26/green-my-apple/ http://meganprusynski.greenoptions.com/2007/01/26/green-my-apple/#comments Fri, 26 Jan 2007 13:40:23 +0000 Megan Prusynski http://meganprusynski.greenoptions.com/2007/01/26/green-my-apple/ Green My Apple Logo (from Greenpeace)

Editor's note: Megan Prusynski, GO's newest team member, is a professional graphic designer and a very prolific blogger. She'll be covering design, art and culture for us. We're happy to welcome her aboard!

Apple computers have been staples for the graphic design industry since they arrived in the early 1980s. The company prides itself on its innovative technology, attention to detail, and good design. Designers like myself are often unapologetically obsessive about their Apple computers.

But as I type this on my Apple PowerBook, I feel a bit guilty for being such an Apple addict. Why? Because they are pretty far from a green company. In fact, according to Greenpeace, Apple is one of the worst computer and electronics companies out there in terms of sustainability.

This is why Greenpeace has launched a campaign called Green My Apple that challenges Apple to clean up its act. Greenpeace says:
We love Apple. Apple knows more about "clean" design than anybody, right? So why do Macs, iPods, iBooks and the rest of their product range contain hazardous substances that other companies have agreed to abandon? A cutting edge company shouldn't be cutting lives short by exposing children in China and India to dangerous chemicals. That's why we Apple fans need to demand a new, cool product: a greener Apple.

Apple computers contain an array of toxic chemicals, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and poisonous flame retardants. When computer components are tossed, they usually end up in developing-world countries like China, where poverty-stricken people pick through piles of electronic equipment to salvage parts. These people are then exposed to the toxic chemicals, not to mention what these toxins do to the environment. Apple also lacks a take-back program that many leading computer and electronics companies are now implementing, and since their products have a short lifespan, many of them end up as garbage instead of being safely disassembled, recycled, or reused.
So, I hope my fellow Apple aficionados will write to Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO, and let him know that you want Apple to be a leader in green design and an innovator in sustainable electronics. If anyone can do it, Apple can.
Link: Greenpeace "Green My Apple" Campaign
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