New Greenpeace report downgrades Apple

Greenpeace has released its latest Guide to Greener Electronics, which ranks the 18 top manufacturers of personal computers, mobile phones, TV’s and games consoles according to their policies on toxic chemicals and recycling. The report lists Apple in 11th position scoring 4.1 points out of ten, down from 6 points in the last guide. Greenpeace lauded the company for its “millions of iPods [that] now have bromine-free enclosures and printed circuit board laminates,” and its free recycling of iPods and mobile phones, but said it “scores poorly on most e-waste criteria,” and “does only slightly better on energy criteria.” It also praised the company’s iPod and iPhone power adapters, which not only exceed the Energy Star standard, but also already meet California’s stricter efficiency regulations that take effect on July 1. A more complete explanation of Apple’s results and Greenpeace’s methods can be found here (PDF link).