So I take it you're an expert? Or at least you've done all the calculations and actually determined that transporting hydrogen is less efficient than the electrical grid (which loses about 6.5% of the energy pumped into it)?
Oh. Never mind, then.
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Apple Environmental Chief Lisa Jackson Driving Sustainability Efforts
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Hey.
Does this mean the Mac Pro is actually designed after a recycling bin and not a trash can after all?
Hey.
Does this mean the Mac Pro is actually designed after a recycling bin and not a trash can after all?
I respect that Apple makes good quality products that people like to keep and use for years. That makes them far greener than the competition in many ways.
One must consider though that Apple is a business that wants us to consume as much as possible. They want us to replace our models sooner and if limiting expand/upgradability helps them to achieve this then that is what they'll do. A business that manufactures has obligations that are fundamentally in opposition to those of conservation of resources and energy.
I see nothing here about Apple analysing proportion of and rates of recycling of end-of-life Apple products. I suspect this is because the figures aren't good. Apple is a major global computer and electronic devices company selling millions of products daily and they absolutely have a responsibility to monitor and improve these rates as well as provide consumers this information if they choose to give a product to Apple for recycling.
My very limited understanding is that apart from aluminium shells there is very little that can be recycled and practises like glueing batteries to the case hardly make this cheaper or easier.
I commend Apple for any advancements made but you must realise that for a high profile company like Apple pushing the green line is a major part of their marketing and they should continue to be scrutinised and held accountable for their environmental policies and progress; commended when they make progress and encouraged to improve in areas that are poor or lacking.
Simply hiring a high profile environmental manager doesn't make them suddenly the world's greenest company. Their products consume a lot of resources and I would like to see greater information and focus on tracking the physical resources especially once the products reach end of life.
One must consider though that Apple is a business that wants us to consume as much as possible. They want us to replace our models sooner and if limiting expand/upgradability helps them to achieve this then that is what they'll do. A business that manufactures has obligations that are fundamentally in opposition to those of conservation of resources and energy.
I see nothing here about Apple analysing proportion of and rates of recycling of end-of-life Apple products. I suspect this is because the figures aren't good. Apple is a major global computer and electronic devices company selling millions of products daily and they absolutely have a responsibility to monitor and improve these rates as well as provide consumers this information if they choose to give a product to Apple for recycling.
My very limited understanding is that apart from aluminium shells there is very little that can be recycled and practises like glueing batteries to the case hardly make this cheaper or easier.
I commend Apple for any advancements made but you must realise that for a high profile company like Apple pushing the green line is a major part of their marketing and they should continue to be scrutinised and held accountable for their environmental policies and progress; commended when they make progress and encouraged to improve in areas that are poor or lacking.
Simply hiring a high profile environmental manager doesn't make them suddenly the world's greenest company. Their products consume a lot of resources and I would like to see greater information and focus on tracking the physical resources especially once the products reach end of life.
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I always find it amusing when people talk about people that talk about themselves in the third person.
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I'm sure you would, but that's way beyond the scope of this article.
Perhaps you've missed all the press on how Apple continuously designs their products to be more efficient. Looking at how we're getting far more hours of use from our devices with smaller batteries and power supplies, I'd say they are the world leaders in saving energy.
You're wrong, they are moving exactly in the right direction. Priority one should be making innovative products, the environment comes second since it's not of our generations concern.
I think in the end it's a consumer driven market.
The reality is being green is one of the feature of a product, among many other features that a consumer look at when choosing a product. Some people put it higher than others, and many don't care.
In order for a company to be able to make a big different, its product has to be successful. It's meaningless if Apple makes a phone that's 100% renewable if only 100 people buy it. And it's not good in the long run it they make their mass appealing phones 50% recyclable but is not able to compete with others while doing so because in the end they will be driven out of business.
If we all demand a 100% green product and are willing to pay for it, and if it is technically feasible, I am sure Apple will be glad to make them.
The reality is being green is one of the feature of a product, among many other features that a consumer look at when choosing a product. Some people put it higher than others, and many don't care.
In order for a company to be able to make a big different, its product has to be successful. It's meaningless if Apple makes a phone that's 100% renewable if only 100 people buy it. And it's not good in the long run it they make their mass appealing phones 50% recyclable but is not able to compete with others while doing so because in the end they will be driven out of business.
If we all demand a 100% green product and are willing to pay for it, and if it is technically feasible, I am sure Apple will be glad to make them.
Thank you so much for this comment (and excellent points). Often times, I hold my breath when I have quote notifications regarding "controversial" topics. I try my best to read comments thoroughly before responding, if I respond I also do my best in maintaining civil and respectful discourse as arguing online leads no where. It's refreshing to read a response that's thoughtful and beneficial, so thanks again (and sorry if I came off preachy!)
I have to disagree; the environment is everyone's concern regardless of generation. As a tech savvy community, we are a major factor in driving the electronics market which is a top factor in environmental pollution.
All generations are crucial in reforming technological advancements that balance innovation and eco-consciousness as those two are not mutually exclusive. Eco-consciousness should not stifle innovation, the opposite would be true as each would push to greater advancements, much like competition between companies, a "yin and yang" model.
It's imperative to hold corporations, and ourselves, accountable for the horrendous environmental impact due to severely increased e-waste in "disposable" mobile electronics and the market model to push consumers to "buy more" and "upgrade" to increase profits. Apple products hold some of the highest resale values, providing a means in keeping electronics out of landfills by selling second hand units or trading them in for credit. Yet those devices will wear down, resulting in the inevitable predicament regarding recycling and proper disposal.
Many corporations and governments (mostly third world through monetary compensation) work in tandem in disposing of first world refuse to create an "out of sight, out of mind mentality" to keep consumers buying more. Should consumers be fully aware of the negative environmental impact from capitalist systems, consumers would buy less and the system may crumble. Yet if the tech market produced products that did not create such unbelievable waste, the system would work. This requires consumers and corporations to work together through proper communications, voting with consumer dollars, and consumers should dictate needs based on these factors instead of corporations doing such. It can work, but it requires genuine passion, knowledge on these matters and action.
I applaud Apple for being one of the few highly successful electronics manufacturers who sincerely are making an effort to produce products that are environmentally conscious in regards to the electronics industry. They have proven that going "green" doesn't mean going "red". It's a long road ahead, but we all start somewhere.
I don't buy it for a second. It's all just a marketing ploy because "green" is the big thing (at least in theory) and their strategy probably makes us buy and consume even more in the end, probably luring new customers into their "we care" thing as well.
If they really cared about the environment as much as they say they'd do away with planned obsolescence in their products (the same goes for just about all other manufacturers on the planet). When was the last time a computer or other electronic device could actually be repaired? One minor component broken and you have to replace the whole thing... makes you think, doesn't it.
Bottom line: if you really want to go green you consume less and companies produce lasting products which can be repaired.
If they really cared about the environment as much as they say they'd do away with planned obsolescence in their products (the same goes for just about all other manufacturers on the planet). When was the last time a computer or other electronic device could actually be repaired? One minor component broken and you have to replace the whole thing... makes you think, doesn't it.
Bottom line: if you really want to go green you consume less and companies produce lasting products which can be repaired.
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Thank you for that. I've obviously missed your past rants. I didn't know about the recycling costs and the environmental impact of the process itself. I'm the recycling "Nazi" of my household. It's amazing how ungreen much of our green products are: somebody below mentions the travel done by a Prius battery (never mind the nightmare recycling said battery) done by the time it's installed. Th his again - I think its time I started a little research.