WorldChanging: The Rise Of Bright Green Computers:
The modern world’s greatest tool is among our most disposable and resource-heavy. Performance-wise, computer design has progressed staggeringly well and astonishingly fast. But looking at it from a green perspective, the work has barely begun.
On a related note, Apple in the U.S. have recently improved their recycling program, as well as compliance with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) standard, which “eliminates the use of hazardous materials – including mercury, cadmium, chromium and flame retardants, among others”.
Given my Apple-bashing of late, I thought I’d mention this as a “good thing” 😉 But… I rang Apple Australia (which is a separate company to the U.S. parent) to ask about their recycling efforts locally. According to the person I spoke to Apple Australia has no recycling program in place, and could not recommend any organisation for recycling. They said they were “looking for a partner” after a previous partnership disolved.
The person I spoke then went on to spout some rubbish about Apple computers being shared, handed down and on-sold more than PCs. There may be some truth to that, but I doubt it significantly reduces waste.
A glimmer of hope though – they said that the Taylor Square Apple Centre had a recycling program. I called them and alas they do not. They did recommend MicroSeconds (they didn’t have their contact details, so I’m guessing that’s the correct link).
Lets hope we don’t have to wait as long as we did for the Australian iTunes store for them to get a recycling program happening. I wonder if this could be a good campaign action target??