GreenPeace is a global campaigning organization that exists to “change attitudes and behavior, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace.” Respectable. One of the things they do is rate Electronics companies on their green-ness with the materials they use to build their electronics. They’ve recently come out with their latest version for September 2008.
Here’s how the companies stack up:
The article I original read on this topic was focused on Apple not being as green as they market themselves to be. Out of 10, they come in at 4. In fact, the only company over 6 is Nokia! Apple is being (only slightly beat) by other leading computer manufacturers such as Dell & HP.
However, what really strikes me are the bottom two: Microsoft and Nintendo. Now, I’m an Apple guy, but I’m not an Apple fanboy…I think Windows is great for certain things (such as Web Development)…but I think they’ve been in the spotlight for a much longer time than Apple. And it’s easy to see how such a big company could lose sight of “going green,” but how come I rarely hear anybody ragging on Microsoft about it? Apple gets a ton of crap all the time. And Nintendo?! I had no idea. I am a huge fan - own a Wii and Super Nintendo is greatest system of all time - and I never saw any articles on how horrendous their ‘green’ policy is.
I’m not entirely sure how the ranking system works, but GreenPeace is large enough to be a trust-worthy site. I like that this Flash module lets you see older Versions. Go to Version 6, which I find is the most interesting. It’s the first time Nintendo is featured. It’s almost a year ago, Dec 2007, and we have 10 companies in the 7 area, and Nintendo doesn’t even get a 1. Apple was even at 6 at the time. How did it get so bad in a year?
Some action needs to be taken, or regulation put on this. As pointed out by GreenPeace:
The rate at which these mountains of obsolete electronic products are growing will reach crisis proportions unless electronics corporations that profit from making and selling these devices face up to their responsibilities.
It’s reminding me of all those videos found last week where major financial advisors warned of the Stock Armageddon a year ago or whatever, and no one paid attention until now. I know my house is full of old cell phone in drawers and cords to nowhere. It is completely feasible to make durable, clean, and recyclable products. I expect more from companies like Apple, and especially Nintendo.
Cheers,
Matthew Lettini
