Page - July 23, 2007
This issue we profile three big global wins. Mac users worldwide can look forward to a greener Apple, some good news for the future of renewable energy in New Zealand and the Netherlands announces plans to ban the bulb in the next four years.
Submission for the Green my Apple campaign by Phil.
Green my apple
Thanks to a global Greenpeace campaign, and a healthy dose of
public pressure, Mac users worldwide can look forward to a greener
Apple!
Apple's CEO Steve Jobs has announced a phase out of the worst
chemicals in Apple products by 2008 and a new commitment to
environmental transparency.
Mr Jobs wouldn't have bothered with this change if it wasn't for
all the Mac fans who used the form on our greenmyapple.org site to
demand a greener Apple. It's a victory for millions of computer
users as much as it is for Greenpeace. So for all those who took
part, pat yourself on the back - you've just convinced one of the
world's most cutting-edge companies to think green!
And speaking of the website, greenmyapple.org picked up best
Activist site in the 11th annual Webby Awards (the 'Oscars of the
Web'.) Winners were chosen from nearly 8,000 entries from 60
different countries.
Project west wind
Some good news for the future of renewable energy in New
Zealand! The Environment Court has approved Meridian's Project West
Wind, which involves sixty-six wind turbines being built at Makara
near Wellington. The site will generate enough electricity to
supply most households in the Greater Wellington region.
Greenpeace supported the project from the start, and joined the
appeal in the Environment Court on the basis of the project's
ability to help reduce New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions.
Greenpeace Climate Campaigner Vanessa Atkinson says the decision
brings New Zealand one step closer to a clean energy future. "This
is just the kind of project New Zealand needs to reduce its
skyrocketing emissions and eventually achieve a 100 per cent switch
to renewable energy."
Ban the bulb
The newly-appointed Minister of the Environment in the
Netherlands has announced plans to ban the bulb in the next four
years. Jacqueline Cramer very rightly points out that energy-saving
bulbs are better for the environment and for people's pockets.
Philips Electronics is understood to be 'very happy' with the
initiative. According to a spokesperson Philips "already" started a
campaign to promote efficient lighting 18 months ago, and is happy
the government's now taking initiatives as well.
Meanwhile the EU is working on plans to phase out traditional
light bulbs by the end of 2008.