Filed under: Apple, MacBook Air
MacBook Air: greenest Apple yet
- Fully recyclable aluminum case
- Apple's first mercury-free LCD display, with arsenic-free glass
- Circuit boards are BFR-free and PVC-free
- 50% less packaging than the previous MacBooks
- Meets ENERGY STAR requirements
- Receives a EPEAT Silver Rating
Of course, the MacBook Air isn't quite perfect (it's far from the greenest computer out there), and there are more improvements that can be made. However, this is indeed a step in the right direction for Apple, and hopefully this indicates a new trend. I think it's about time that Apple gets on the sustainability train and starts implementing more earth-friendly materials into their products. Let's hope for more good things in the future.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jason Hung said 5:37PM on 1-19-2008
I think if there's any testament to the green policy being pursued at Apple is the fact that it is eliminating/discouraging CD/DVD waste. It's a lot more conservative to be using USB jump drives or network services rather than relying on CDs/DVDs which are usually non-recyclable (I wrote a thesis on how much waste is being created by the CD industry and talked about how iTunes/Amazon are creating a greener economy).
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DJCarbon43 said 6:50PM on 1-19-2008
As both an apple supporter and an environmental evangelist I just have to put this out there.
Greenpeace has done more to destroy the credibility of the environmental movement than any oil company on the planet. Thats right, I said it.
They are eco-terrorists and bullies, and instead of making people believe that the environment needs help, they drive people away in droves. Their fear mongering, attention-getting behavior takes away from the message that people like Al Gore and organisations like the Sierra Club are trying to deliver.
We shouldn't even be giving them the time of day, let alone coverage in the news.
Apple has made it its goal to be a leader in green practices, and had already made that commitment long before Greenpeace's slanderous, coat-tail riding, news wh**ing campaign.
Sorry for the venting, I had to get that out. ^_^
Big John said 5:38PM on 1-19-2008
So what was the official word from GreenPeace (not that anyone actually cares...) in the end?
At first, they said it wasn't enough. Then reports came out that they were extremely pleased with it.
I'm just curious. Watching GP stumble around drunkenly like they matter anymore amuses me.
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Tom said 6:03PM on 1-19-2008
It's not good enough for them:
http://www.macobserver.com/article/2008/01/18.2.shtml
They plan to ride on Apple's coattails for as long as possible:
http://www.macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/greenpeace_intends_to_ride_apples_pr_coattails_for_as_long_as_possible/
Screw greenpeace, they want computers to be made out of that new paper battery stuff since obviously they can make paper transmit electricity the whole computer should be made out of it so when you're done you can throw it in a fire.
Wouldn't the Executive Branch love flammable hard disks?
ArizonaDAK said 6:13PM on 1-19-2008
I've never heard of anyone buying (or not buying) a computer based upon its ecological footprint. To paraphrase someone else..."It's the performance, stupid." Greenpeace has never dictated to me what to buy. I buy what fits my needs. Nothing more, nothing less.
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Tiglath-Pileser IV said 5:57PM on 1-19-2008
Because the 15" Macbook Pro has a LED-lighted LCD display, wouldn't that make it a mercury free display? And if so wouldn't the 15" MBP be Apple's first mercury free-laptop display or am I not taking something into consideration here...
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Big John said 6:07PM on 1-19-2008
I'm guessing there was mercury in it elsewhere, else they would have declared it as such.
Simon Arch said 6:58PM on 1-19-2008
You know, when you report what extremists like Greenpeace say you're only encouraging them.
Seriously, don't feed the trolls.
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DJCarbon43 said 7:02PM on 1-19-2008
...Of course, the MacBook Air isn't quite perfect (it's far from the greenest computer out there)...
Really? I challenge you to name more green mass produced laptops. No seriously. Name them. Who makes em? Dell? HP? Lenovo?
...and there are more improvements that can be made...
I agree. There always will be. Not until Apple's products are actually Beneficial to the environment should they rest.
...However, this is indeed a step in the right direction for Apple,...
Ohh! How benevolent of you. I'm sure this'll make them feel swell oh great and mighty Brian.
...and hopefully this indicates a new trend...
New trend? Have you been living under a rock? Apple has been adopting green practices for a long time. They were the first to stop using bleached cardboard packaging. First major player to discontinue floppy drives...et al...shrunk packaging long before the GP BS started....and it goes on...
... I think it's about time that Apple gets on the sustainability train and starts implementing more earth-friendly materials into their products....
You sir are a moron. You do not deserve to be blogging here for stating such absolute nonsense. Get your facts straight.
... Let's hope for more good things in the future.
Yeah...lets.
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William said 8:33PM on 1-19-2008
Regarding the point "Circuit boards are BFR-free and PVC-free": I think the phrase used in the keynote was "All *Apple* circuit boards are BFR-free and PVC-free", which is not every board in the MBA. A minor point, I know...
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ziggybopper said 8:42PM on 1-19-2008
"this is indeed a step in the right direction for Apple, and hopefully this indicates a new trend"
You might have a point if GreenPeace had any real basis for there claims against Apple.
GP based one attack on manufacturer's web page claims and not on actual performance.
GP faulted Apple for use of chemicals/processes that aren't included in the most stringent environmental regulations.
If you want to hit Apple on environmental performance, cite reputable sources.
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BHendrix said 9:52PM on 1-19-2008
What would the MacBook Air need to achieve EPEAT 'Gold' status?
How many PCs are out there that meet this standard? (I believe the Lenovo A61e desktop does, correct me if I'm mistaken.)
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Mark said 10:31PM on 1-19-2008
"I think it's about time that Apple gets on the sustainability train and starts implementing more earth-friendly materials into their products. Let's hope for more good things in the future."
I'm hoping Apple doesn't waste another minute trying to appease Greenpeace or make its products "environmentally friendly" at the expense of making them more powerful, better designed, and less expensive.
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Dave said 5:59AM on 1-20-2008
If anyone cares to see the notebook computers that received a gold EPEAT reating, here's the link:
http://www.epeat.net/SearchResults.aspx?ProductType=3&manufacturer=0&rating=3
They all received 21 out of 27 "optional points," to the Air's 19.
Go figure.
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robogobo said 11:06PM on 1-19-2008
Allows me to illustrate a "green" spectrum
On one end, Macbook Air=disposable machine
On the other, Mac Pro=ever-upgradable
what twisted f'd up logic calls an MBA "green"?
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krye said 12:12AM on 1-20-2008
Greenpeace are the worst. I'm sure they'll, yet again, find something else to bitch about. I bet half the equipment they use in their offices isn't "green". (printers, fax machines, electric hole punchers, paper towel dispensers....i could go on and on.)
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sam said 8:24PM on 1-21-2008
meh, it's not solar powered or biodegradable.
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aptmunich said 4:12AM on 1-20-2008
"Circuit boards are BFR-free and PVC-free"
Actually if you re-read the keynote slide, it states that only Apple's circuit boards are Circuit boards are BFR and PVC free, so I'm guessing 3rd party boards (power supply?, Intel's input?) are not.
Blame Greenpeace for picking on Apple all you want, but obviously it is possible to make circuit boards without all that crap, so I'm glad somebody is around to call companies on it.
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Boulos said 5:50AM on 1-20-2008
These improvements, while laudable, will seem a little hollow to me until Apple moves to offer recycling options for consumers and small businesses worldwide. Steve said the aluminium of the MBA's enclosure is "a highly desirable material by recyclers – they love aluminium" but it'll be an unfulfilled love if these devices end up in landfill at their end life.
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Dave said 2:20PM on 1-20-2008
I haven't read the E-PEAT guidelines in awhile, but I can guess the points lost were related to the lack of upgradability and replaceable batteries, which equal a kind of planned obsolesence - although the longtime mac users know how long their products last in the REAL world - and is $129 for a battery after 4 years really that wild of a proposition? My old PBG4 needs one, going to cost me megabucks, and the old one is pretty much useless.
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