Here we go again
Today Greenpeace launched a new edition of the electronics ranking guide. This time we've added some new types of hardware (games consoles and TVs) and as a result some new manufacturers (Philips, Microsoft, Nintendo, Sharpe, and Panasonic). Since, once again some of the worst performing manufacturers are ones people like here are some predictions.
* We will be accused of targeting these brands because they are high profile - and not because they make toxic products
* We will be accused of targeting these brands because we expect them to make donations - even though we accept no corporate or government money
* We will be told that these products meet existing legal requirements - even though we're quite clear we're asking for them to do more
* We will be told about the great strides these firms are making in areas like packaging, or energy use, or labour standards, even though this campaign is about toxic chemicals
What we won't hear too much is that we've already succeeded in moving the majority of the PC and mobile phone market toward a greener future, and that the smart money would be on the console makers and TV manufacturers following suit.
Meanwhile we'll be working to keep the pressure on companies who have already made commitments but are failing to deliver. See the story for more details
Comments
I do want to congratulate you on what you have done to encourage eco responsibility amongst multinational corporations. However, I am really unimpressed at how you rank one company as a zero simply because you didnt find anything relevant for that organization. So you are suggesting that Nintendo (I dont like the company personally) has NO policies relating to these matters? Seriously? This is sloppy research and it damages your chances of having an impact when people see negligence like this.
Posted by: Spjika | November 27, 2007 10:07 PM
Dear Mister Lloyd
I find the report quite interesting, yet there is something that baffles me. Why is the report based solely on voluntary information on the companies websites?
Due to this fact the result is more likely to display the companies information policies towards the public than actual quality of their products.
I think it would have been more scientific and thorough to actually ask the companies about their green policies and make them aware of shortcomings on their websites.
PS. I really would appreciate a reply.
Posted by: GP | November 27, 2007 10:25 PM
Dear Mister Lloyd
I find the report quite interesting, yet there is something that baffles me. Why is the report based solely on voluntary information on the companies websites?
Due to this fact the result is more likely to display the companies information policies towards the public than actual quality of their products.
I think it would have been more scientific and thorough to actually ask the companies about their green policies and make them aware of shortcomings on their websites.
PS. I really would appreciate a reply.
Posted by: GP | November 27, 2007 10:29 PM
To pick up on the two points above our report requires Nintendo not just to have policies, but to make them public so their customers know what they are buying and so people can check that they are being followed. Not only did we do plenty of research, we also contacted Nintendo in advance of the reports publication, but so far there's no sign that they want us, you or anyone else to know what they're doing about toxic chemicals in their products.
So the easiest way for Nintendo to remove that zero next to their name is to come out and tell us what they're doing and what they plan to do.
Posted by: Martin Lloyd | November 28, 2007 10:31 AM
It's all very well saying that the campaign is about toxic chemicals and not energy use but the guide is entitled the "Guide to Greener Electronics" which most consumers (who will look no further than the headline graphic) will expect to cover energy use. Since the energy consumption of a Wii is a tenth that of an Xbox or PS3 it is an important enviromental indicator.
Posted by: Steve Bosman | November 30, 2007 2:07 PM
The next edition of the guide will include energy consumption as a criterion, and we do expect to see perform well in that regard.
Posted by: Martin Lloyd | November 30, 2007 2:14 PM
The next edition of the guide will include energy consumption as a criterion, and we do expect to see Nintendo perform well in that regard.
Posted by: Martin Lloyd | November 30, 2007 2:14 PM