ONE APPLE AT A TIME.
- Taken from GreenPeace
Today we saw something we’ve all been waiting for: the words “A Greener Apple” on the front page of Apple’s site, with a message from Steve Jobs saying “Today we’re changing our policy.”
It’s not everything we asked for. 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 manufactures’ pledge to phase them out by 2009. Way to go Steve!
But while customers in the US will be able to return their Apple products for recycling knowing that their gear won’t end up in the e-waste mountains of Asia and India, Apple isn’t making that promise to anyone but customers in the USA. 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 gotten an actual green product to market, but no other electronics manufacture has either. That’s a race worthy of the wizards of Cupertino.
We’ve seen the enthusiasm with which Apple fans have greeted our campaign to make Apple a green leader. They’ve made clear what they want– an Apple which isn’t just skin-deep green, but green to the core. One that creates products free from the most hazardous chemicals, that they can buy and return with a clear conscience, secure in the knowledge that Apple will re-use or recycle them responsibly, and that won’t end up in scrapyards or add to the mountains of e-waste that the electronics industry has created.
Apple must begin to address these growing problems to ensure that the workers and children of Asia and many developing nations no longer face the unnecessary environmental and health dangers posed by the high-tech industry’s waste.
We look forward to working with the new, greener Apple in future – toward the greening of the entire electronics industry.
And to all the Apple fans who have contributed their thoughts and blogs and creativity to this campaign, reach over your shoulder and pat yourself on the back. Put a happy tune on 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! An Apple green to the core!
Read our detailed assessment of the May 2nd statement by Steve Jobs.
This is something I am always thinking about- but fail so miserably at. I used to have a much greener side to me, and I have to admit- lately I feel very wasteful and not as earth conscience as I once was. Why? I am not sure. I do notice the more stuff, the more junk, the more waste that is in my life due to my purchases and or creations- the more overwhelmed and stressed I feel. I truly wish there was an easy answer. But there is not. What has become easy is the fact that the US has become so efficient at creating excess waste it is sad. I am just as guilty as many others. I know that there has to be balance, but it is hard to find.
I remember when I was little, we would visit my Grandpa up at their cabin in McCall Idaho. Our first job upon arriving was to clean up all the trash and soda cans that got scattered by people that were up there on vacation. I remember how great it felt to clean up the world in my own little corner. As I worked quickly, trying to beat my siblings, I remember the freshness of the air, the sound of the living creatures all around me, and the beauty of the colors that I saw. I want my great great grandchildren to be able to experience the peace and beauty that surrounded me.
Even our foods have become sooo processed and basically junk. It is no wonder our kids are sick. When I was a Freshman in high school (I graduated in 1995), I became a vegetarian. I now eat chicken again, but I am very cautious as to the chicken I buy. I must admit- even with my added effort, I still sometimes feel guilty for not doing a better job.
Why am I writing about this on my blog? Because as a photographer, I feel like I need to do more. So here is the deal. For any wedding booked in 2008 (and booked for a 2008 date), I have decided to donate $100 from each wedding to an organization such as GreenPeace, or toward building a well for fresh water in Africa. You have my word. $100 from every wedding booked in 2008 will be donated toward making the planet somewhat better for all of us to live in (even if that does seem impossible sometimes.) Why Africa? Well when I was at bootcamp (you can read about it here) Kevin Kubota and his beautiful wife Claire ( I just totally adore her) spoke a lot about the passion they have to bring fresh water to the people of Africa. They both have such a true and giving spirit that I feel that one way I can repay them for their kindness is to honor their dream of bringing water to Africa. I one day hope to go there to help them.
We can all do just a little- or maybe a lot. Whatever way you are leaded to go. Here is to a greener 2008 
