Apple's Environmental Chief Lisa Jackson Retiring After 13 Years

[zogzog]

As someone who’s been trying to figure out how to responsibly dispose of an unwanted inventory of six or seven never-used iPhone power bricks accumulated over the years, I’m dumbfounded by this eruption of seething hatred about not getting more underpowered chargers to stuff landfills with.

 

[zogzog]

Years after removing charges I still don’t see how it was environmentally friendly. Maybe now but not at the time of announcement. I switched from android to iPhone with lightning so had to buy new charger. Not even mentioning waste of money but I had to buy charger in another box than the phone so not saved on packaging. Charger came with separate delivery so definitely waste of fuel and harm to the nature. Maybe it makes sense now but I do not like to have to little chargers and while I technically saved on getting spare ones I still need to get these chargers. Each in separate package and delivery. So on my case I am doubling amount of packaging and co2 emissions.

Um…have you tried looking at the other end of your Lightning cable? You know, the end that has a USB-A or USB-C plug on it, and is compatible with all standards-compliant USB power bricks, including the ones that had come with your older Android handsets? No iPhone has ever required a proprietary power brick.

 

[Piggie]

As someone who’s been trying to figure out how to responsibly dispose of an unwanted inventory of six or seven never-used iPhone power bricks accumulated over the years, I’m dumbfounded by this eruption of seething hatred about not getting more underpowered chargers to stuff landfills with.

Simple question for you:
You purchase a new iPhone, or could be any product that needs charging.

It comes with a charger.
You use, or don't use that charger whilst you keep the product.

When you decide you no longer wish to own the product, you sell or give away the product, along with the charger that is needed to go with it.

What's the complexity in this?

That's what normally happens with products.

 

[widestload]

The courageous thing to do! P.s. can i have my chargers back now?

 

[Big_D]

Ah yes, I remember Lisa on the roof of Apple Park telling us why we couldn't have a charger in the box with our iPhones because they wanted to be "green" which wasn't a ploy to make us spend even more money on a charger that should've kept coming with the phone.

Good grief🙄.

Since manufacturers stopped putting chargers in the box, here in Germany, I haven't had to throw away another USB-C charger I don't need. I have 3 or 4 good quality, high Wattage GAN chargers, most with multiple ports. I don't need even more chargers filling up my electronic rubbish box, for the next time I go to the recycling centre.

Although it is slowly filling up with low-quality USB-C cables or USB-A to USB-C cables that I don't need...

 

[Big_D]

Simple question for you:
You purchase a new iPhone, or could be any product that needs charging.

It comes with a charger.
You use, or don't use that charger whilst you keep the product.

When you decide you no longer wish to own the product, you sell or give away the product, along with the charger that is needed to go with it.

What's the complexity in this?

That's what normally happens with products.

The complexity is, I have a few high quality GAN chargers (65W+) that can charge multiple devices, so I don't need another charger. They used to go in the recycling box, now I don't have to recycle them. If a GAN charger breaks, I buy another one on an as-needed basis.

 

[Big_D]

I don't think people would have complained about removing the charger from the box, had Apple also reduced the price accordingly. At this point it seems it was all about corporate greed...

Nothing says "we do not care about our customers" like not including a charger with a phone.

Can't say I appreciated her work.

It is a legal requirement here, to not have a charger in the box. To be honest, I like it that we have a standardised charger and that they don't come in the box. If I need a new one, I buy one, if I don't, I'm not filling up my recycling box.

 

[Big_D]

Here's a picture of some of the chargers and cables I have accumulated over the years, next to one of my more recent purchases - a 140w multi-port charger. You will notice that I have not bothered to unwrap my apple cables either.

People are not going to say no to free things. Given the choice between taking a free charger or otherwise, who in their right mind would turn down the option of taking the free charging brick when doing so does not cost them anything? Even if I don't need one, what's stopping me from still taking one anyways, then tossing it into the bin days later when I don't have space in my drawer for it?

The thing is - it is possible for Apple to do something that is environmentally conscious, while also benefiting its bottom line. These two are not mutually exclusive. Given that Apple sells more than 200 million iPhones a year (and I am being conservative here), removing the charger does mean a ton of potential e-waste avoided. At the same time, the packaging is smaller, meaning you can transport more iPhones at a time, meaning fewer trips, resulting in a lower carbon footprint a well.

At the same time, it can be argued that all these monetary savings help to avoid what might otherwise have been a higher price for the iPhone (but we will never know, since it's hard to prove a hypothetical).

I also see it as an opportunity to consolidate my charging setup. For example, instead of using 3 separate chargers for your iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch, you can charge them all using one of those 3-in-1 MagSafe chargers. Power strips come with usb-A or even usb-c ports nowadays, letting you charge smaller devices without needing a dedicated brick. My Anker 67w charger chargers either my MBA, my Nintendo Switch, or my iPad at my desk.

People nowadays own way more electronic gadgets than they did a decade ago and single-port charging solutions just don't cut it any more these days, IMO.

Update - I uploaded the image via Tapatalk. Odd that it appears in the app, and when I am editing this post, but not when I am viewing this post in the browser (both Safari and Chrome). Do let me know if you are not able to see any images on your end as well. 😬

I can see the image. I had a similar box full of old, unneeded and still wrapped in plastic chargers. When I moved in 2024, I took around 40 to the recycling centre. I kept 2 for "emergencies", but have 2 2-port and a 4 port GAN chargers at home, which is more than enough to charge all the devices. I also bought high quality, long cables as well, so the cheap USB-C cables delivered with most devices are filling up the recycling box again...

One of the benefits of the EU electronic waste laws is that NO devices include a useless charger in the box.

 

[bluecoast]

I mean two things can be true at the same time, it’s is better for the environment and it does also save Apple money.

The matter is Apple does spend more than they have to on the environmental stuff. Using recycled materials is more expensive, using green power is more expensive, developing alternatives to leather is more expensive, just as a few examples. As I’m frequently told on here Tim Cook will do anything for an extra buck, it’s notable the spend significantly more money than they have to.



Apple’s contracts with its suppliers requires them to meet 100% renewable energy use by 2030 well, and in fact, over 95% of their suppliers have already committed to do so. Apple even helps fund it. And it’s not just a “pinky-promise” either, Apple requires third-party independent audits, annual reports, etc. Apple is an important enough customer that the supply chain willingly agrees to meet Apple’s target.

I’m being sarcastic🙂

Yes agreed. I think all of Apple’s environmental’s efforts were eco friendly and benefited Apple. Except for techwoven !

 

[fatTribble]

Years after removing charges I still don’t see how it was environmentally friendly. Maybe now but not at the time of announcement. I switched from android to iPhone with lightning so had to buy new charger. Not even mentioning waste of money but I had to buy charger in another box than the phone so not saved on packaging. Charger came with separate delivery so definitely waste of fuel and harm to the nature. Maybe it makes sense now but I do not like to have to little chargers and while I technically saved on getting spare ones I still need to get these chargers. Each in separate package and delivery. So on my case I am doubling amount of packaging and co2 emissions.

I understand your point. In your particular situation maybe it was less environmentally friendly when you bought your first iPhone.

Apple has to look at the average use cases across hundreds of millions of people buying iPhones. I’m sure they’ve done the math.

 

[I7guy]

Yes, and on the other hand designing the iPhone every year just a little bit differently, so the customers are forced to buy new cases. Great for the environment!

Or keep them the same so that people complain there is no innovation at Apple.

 

[litmag01]

Woud be great if they brought back target display mode on old iMacs so could still be useful instead of heading to a landfill.

Thank you!!! So much THIS!!!

 

[StuBeck]

Ah yes, I remember Lisa on the roof of Apple Park telling us why we couldn't have a charger in the box with our iPhones because they wanted to be "green" which wasn't a ploy to make us spend even more money on a charger that should've kept coming with the phone.

Good grief🙄.

And why she didn't push for a similar phone shape for a minimum amount of time is quite ridiculous. Moving to a new phone each year like they want us to, they could easily reduce waste by keeping it so a case could be brought from one phone to another. Instead we end up with junk immediately because they'd rather we buy a new phone and case each year then reuse anything.

 

[turbineseaplane]

She’s fat and the reason why do t have leather cases is probably because she ate all the leather.

Does one gain a lot of weight eating leather?

(I've really never thought about it until now)

 

[I7guy]

And why she didn't push for a similar phone shape for a minimum amount of time is quite ridiculous. Moving to a new phone each year like they want us to, they could easily reduce waste by keeping it so a case could be brought from one phone to another. Instead we end up with junk immediately because they'd rather we buy a new phone and case each year then reuse anything.

Because then people would complain about lack of innovation at apple with regards to the iPhone.

 

[Doomtomb]

That's smart... retire before the 2030 commitments can be fulfilled so that way it can be blamed on successors and not your own legacy. Brilliant.

 

[Doomtomb]

It's pretty much a given at this point. The amount of time, money, and devotion they put towards them makes them no doubt a step or two above everyone else. Name me another company that beats Apple in those regards.

Sounds like copium, not facts

 

[cba20k]

Let's not forget she also introduced us to that robot...arm...thing....that could take apart iPhone 6's...

 

[riverguide]

Does one gain a lot of weight eating leather?

(I've really never thought about it until now)

Not likely. “Historically, people have eaten leather in times of famine, but it lacks nutrition and is mainly unsafe to eat and not for long-term survival.”
Aside from that, the comment that prompted your question was not very nice.

 

[DBR2025]

It's always good to see an overweight person telling us what to do for our environment.

She's been living the good life.

Feels like bit of an exodus of people from Apple.

I just watched Steve's video where he talked about the new MacBook pros, his energy and passion for the brand is missing in Tim.

 

[Piggie]

The complexity is, I have a few high quality GAN chargers (65W+) that can charge multiple devices, so I don't need another charger. They used to go in the recycling box, now I don't have to recycle them. If a GAN charger breaks, I buy another one on an as-needed basis.

Yes, and that's perfectly fine.
I also have my own separate chargers I purchased.

The point I was making was that, when it comes time to pass on your old phone, either to a friend or sell it onto someone else, you'd normally pass on the phone complete with it's charger so the next person will be able to use and charge it, without expecting them to already own or have to buy another charger.

I'd say the majority of phones go to another second owner, perhaps even a third (a child perhaps) so keeping the original charger that (should) come with the phone, moves down the line of future owners of the phone.

"Techy" people often buy some fancy 3rd party charger, but I'd suggest most everyday normal people who are not into tech or who follow tech trends simply use the charger that came with the phone when they bought it, and, as I say, pass the charger on to someone else along with the phone when they get a new one.

 

[Big_D]

Yes, and that's perfectly fine.
I also have my own separate chargers I purchased.

The point I was making was that, when it comes time to pass on your old phone, either to a friend or sell it onto someone else, you'd normally pass on the phone complete with it's charger so the next person will be able to use and charge it, without expecting them to already own or have to buy another charger.

Before the chargers were legally standardised, yes, fair point. It is now illegal to not charge over USB-C for most categories of devices (shavers seem to be about the only thing still exempt, from recent experience). Now everything uses the same cable and no manufacturer has provides chargers for anything, other than laptops these days.

I've bought 20 iPads, a MacBook Pro, 20 iPhones, a shaver, 3 torches, 12 Samsung Galaxy A phones, 10 Samsung Galaxy Tabs, 20 Apple Pencils USB-Cs, MagSafe 3-way charger, Ugreen Magsafe charger, Apple MagSafe charger, a PC cleaner (blower) and various other pieces of equipment for work and private in the last 12 month and, apart from the MacBook, none came with a charging brick, and the shaver still uses the old cassette player type 2-prong cable.

My wife did buy a Petzl head lamp, which was microUSB, but I'm assuming that was old stock, as it was bought after the deadline for everything manufactured being USB-C.

I'd say the majority of phones go to another second owner, perhaps even a third (a child perhaps) so keeping the original charger that (should) come with the phone, moves down the line of future owners of the phone.

Over here, it is now expected that you don't get a charger with anything. Most people I speak to seem to be happy they aren't cluttering up drawers with unwanted chargers or making unnecessary trips to the recycling point to dispose of them, because they don't have room for yet another charger...

"Techy" people often buy some fancy 3rd party charger, but I'd suggest most everyday normal people who are not into tech or who follow tech trends simply use the charger that came with the phone when they bought it, and, as I say, pass the charger on to someone else along with the phone when they get a new one.

I guess it is the difference of living somewhere, where the expectation is that nothing comes with a charger, for environmental reasons, where most people are generally more environmentally conscious and look to reduce their carbon footprint as a habit.

These days, here, you can pretty much assume nearly everybody has at least one charger capable of accepting a USB-C cable, or even one of those horrific USB-A to USB-C cables...

 

[DBR2025]

She’s fat and the reason why do t have leather cases is probably because she ate all the leather.

Very cute dogs. I miss my Shiba Jessie everyday.

 

[Piggie]

Before the chargers were legally standardised, yes, fair point. It is now illegal to not charge over USB-C for most categories of devices (shavers seem to be about the only thing still exempt, from recent experience). Now everything uses the same cable and no manufacturer has provides chargers for anything, other than laptops these days.

I've bought 20 iPads, a MacBook Pro, 20 iPhones, a shaver, 3 torches, 12 Samsung Galaxy A phones, 10 Samsung Galaxy Tabs, 20 Apple Pencils USB-Cs, MagSafe 3-way charger, Ugreen Magsafe charger, Apple MagSafe charger, a PC cleaner (blower) and various other pieces of equipment for work and private in the last 12 month and, apart from the MacBook, none came with a charging brick, and the shaver still uses the old cassette player type 2-prong cable.

My wife did buy a Petzl head lamp, which was microUSB, but I'm assuming that was old stock, as it was bought after the deadline for everything manufactured being USB-C.


Over here, it is now expected that you don't get a charger with anything. Most people I speak to seem to be happy they aren't cluttering up drawers with unwanted chargers or making unnecessary trips to the recycling point to dispose of them, because they don't have room for yet another charger...


I guess it is the difference of living somewhere, where the expectation is that nothing comes with a charger, for environmental reasons, where most people are generally more environmentally conscious and look to reduce their carbon footprint as a habit.

These days, here, you can pretty much assume nearly everybody has at least one charger capable of accepting a USB-C cable, or even one of those horrific USB-A to USB-C cables...

Thanks for your insight.
I must still respectfully suggest that it's tricky when you are "into tech" to understand normal folks, those ones who might even not know who Tim Cook is, or when Apple holds a keynote to watch.
They are not interested in Tech, and have other things to focus their life on, the phone is just something they use, and go to the store when a their old one breaks.

In this vein, I might politely suggest that following what you say:


"I've bought 20 iPads, a MacBook Pro, 20 iPhones, a shaver, 3 torches, 12 Samsung Galaxy A phones, 10 Samsung Galaxy Tabs, 20 Apple Pencils USB-Cs, MagSafe 3-way charger, Ugreen Magsafe charger, Apple MagSafe charger, a PC cleaner (blower) and various other pieces of equipment for work and private in the last 12 month"


Suggests very strongly that you are very very unusual in your purchasing habits and are a follower of technology and hence will have a very different viewpoint on a charger to make this thing you just bought actually work than a normal person who just buys a phone and wants it to work.

It's pretty clear Apple did this for Cost reasons to save them money, Box size/shipping reasons, to save them money, and then spin it as "caring for the planet" to self promote how caring they are as a company.
So for Apple it's a Win, Win, Win, so easy to understand their real corporate reasons.

But let's not please pretend the only reason was because they are such wondering and caring people.

 

[leonremi]

"Environmental Chief", what a waste of money, good riddance.

You do realize that that when private companies do not pay for their externalities, we all pay in the end?
That's what's commonly known as privatizing profits and socializing costs.