Apple Computer has recently drawn negative attention among bloggers because the company backed away from a commitment to more environmentally friendly products (see O’Dell for VB Mobile). The move makes Apple look bad because the company had earlier been a leader in this movement and now appears to be putting a profit motive first. The problem, as I understand it, is the move to a sealed product that cannot be easily broken down for recycling. If you have an iPad or a newer MacBook you probably understand what I mean.
This ultra thin and light weight design is not unique to Apple and other companies have since copied the style. I assume some of the same assembly methods are involved. These companies have not received the same negative publicity either because this is a reversal in policy for Apple or attacking industry leaders results in more attention for the blogger who criticizes.
I happen to come across this piece from the BBC at about the same time I was reading about Apple. The article considers the consequences of our consumption habits and examines the environmental consequences among other issues. As far as I can tell, there is no connection with the Apple issue. This got me thinking about my personal responsibility for the trend toward tech toys that cannot be recycled. If I desire thin and light, I am part of the problem. I am encouraging the development of such products.
I do like the physical attributes of the iPad, but do I really need an ultra thin notebook? I have an old, some might say clunky macbook pro that is starting to give me trouble. Time to move on to something new. It looks like the trend is toward the sealed and thin devices. Apple may soon offer me no alternative. I guess I can blame Apple for the lack of an alternative. I must blame myself if the style of the device is what motivates my purchasing decision.
P.S. Update
Apple page on environmental issues. There is also an update on the EPEAT position.