Bad Apple
p2pnet.net News:- Apple can do no wrong, it seems.
Well, not quite.
Because some of the components in Apple’s mp3 players and computers are poisonous and can cause birth defects and disabilities, declares the Computer TakeBack Campaign in Bad Apple.
A lot of people bought or received iPods this holiday season, but the products, “contain toxics like lead and other harmful chemicals that are associated with infertility and brain damage,” says Bad Apple, going on:
“And because Apple has designed the iPod so that consumers cannot easily replace the batteries, consumers will either have to pay Apple a hefty fee to replace them or throw the used up iPods in the trash, ending up in landfills where the iPods will leak their poisons into our communities through the water and air.
“Some will be shipped overseas to China, India or Africa for metal recovery where poor children sifting through the trash will be poisoned with their toxics.”
Under More reasons why we’re targeting Apple, the campaign states:
- Apple has done poorly on annual “Report Cards” that evaluate computer companies based on their design of toxic-free products and on recycling of obsolete products.
- Apple does a lot better in Japan and Europe by offering free computer recycling programs. Why can’t Apple do the same as HP and Dell, and offer free, convenient US take-back of its products?
- It’s bad enough that Apple offers lower service in the US, but in Maine and Minnesota, Apple has opposed practical legislation to reduce electronic waste and protect the environment and people’s health!
“Click here to tell Steve Jobs to recycle his iWaste,” concludes the site.
“A company that ‘Thinks Different’ should think better.”
(Thanks, Milo)
January 12th, 2005 at 7:10 pm
Apple ain’t the only one. Virtually all electronic devices contain some measure of lead. This will shortly change as (if I am not mistaken) all members of the EU are banning lead in all commercial electronics. California, as well, is stepping up measures to notify people about lead in products. A story recently on El Reg (I believe) stated that products such as mice ship with warnings. The mouse found with the warning had 0.03% lead in the cord to prevent the plastics used from degrading prematurily and turning into some nasty dust.
Another thing to worry about is that banning lead in products will lead to another not-so-well-known problem: Tin (no relation to yours trully) Whiskers (I kid you not: http://nepp.nasa.gov/whisker/ — NASA link). Click the second picture on the left. It shows a picture of an oscilator. The wires on said oscilator were dipped partially in a Tin/Lead based solder. No whiskers are visible on the part of the wires dipped in the solder but are visible on the parts above the solder line. This lead to a failure of said component.
Banning lead when people still don’t understand why lead prevents these things, let alone before having a workable solution will only lead to a higher failure rate on all electronic devices subject to the rule. That will lead to a marked increase in the number of these devices being tossed into landfills.
Ya, the fact that I can’t easily replace the battery in my iPod pisses me off, but seriously the day I throw out my rather costly iPod because I have to pay under $100 to get the battery replaced is the day I light my cigarettes with hundred dollar bills.
Yes, I’m a raving mac-fanatic, but let’s look at the big picture here. Lead is bad, ya, but perhaps it’s better than the alternative?
–Tin (I still can’t get my login to work) foil
January 12th, 2005 at 9:36 pm
You kinda’/sorta’ missed the point.
Why doesn’t Apple, such a self-proclaimed progressive company, offer ‘take-back’ programs like HP etc.
Perhaps the phrase ‘a company that thinks different’ means just that, they don’t care like other PC mfgr’s do.
January 15th, 2005 at 11:08 pm
“You kinda’/sorta’ missed the point.
Why doesn’t Apple, such a self-proclaimed progressive company, offer ‘take-back’ programs like HP etc.
Perhaps the phrase ‘a company that thinks different’ means just that, they don’t care like other PC mfgr’s do.”
I love Apple as much as a mother loves her first born so I’ll tell you that my city offers computer recycling and I’m sure other municipalities out there offer the same. If you say that Apple should be held responsible for old computers why don’t you hold Ford or GM to the same standard. between car & computer its not hard to see which one devastates the environment the most.
Thats just something to think about, but you made an excellent point! I’m glad this is getting out because its something that has been bothering me for a while. I don’t understand why they haven’t done this already. If Apple is the innovator, they should act like one.