Tasty News From Apple

Feature story - May 2, 2007

Recently, Apple put a banner with the words "A Greener Apple" on the front page of its website, linking to a personal letter from Steve Jobs. In it he says in effect that Apple's consumers, employees, shareholders and the industry "want us to be a leader in [becoming greener], just as we are in the other areas of our business. So today we're changing our policy." That's right, people: you've done it -- you've moved Apple.

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You're the consumers of Apple's products, and you've proven you make a real difference. You convinced one of the world's most cutting edge companies to peel the toxic ingredients out of the products they sell. Apple has declared a phase out of the worst chemicals in its product range, Brominated Fire Retardants (BFRs) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) by 2008. That beats Dell and other computer manufacturer's pledge to phase them out by 2009. Way to go Steve!

However, it's not everything we asked for. Customers here in the U.S. will be able to return their Apple products for recycling, but Apple isn't making that promise to customers in other countries. Elsewhere in the world, an Apple product today can still be tomorrow's e-waste. Other manufacturers offer worldwide takeback and recycling. Apple should too!

Apple hasn't delivered an actual green product to market, but no other electronics manufacturer has either.

We've seen the enthusiasm of Apple fans to make Apple a green leader. They've made it clear what they want-- an Apple that isn't just skin-deep green, but green to the core. Organic Apple products free from the most hazardous chemicals, that they can buy and return with a clear conscience.

We're not talking apples and oranges - we want ALL of the companies listed on our report card to go green. None of them has scored a perfect 10 yet, and we're still looking to Apple to be the industry leader we've all come to expect them to be.

Our work isn't over until Apple users get that. We look forward to working with the new, greener Apple in the future - and toward the greening of the entire electronics industry.

And to all the Apple fans who have contributed your thoughts, and blogs, and creativity to this campaign, you deserve to savor this first taste of a greener Apple. Grab your ipod and do a happy dance. You've proven you can make a real difference. You convinced one of the world's most cutting edge companies to cut the toxic ingredients out of the products they sell.

Now, let's take it to the next level!