Three of the biggest consumer technology Companies in the world, Philips, Nintendo & Microsoft have been slammed by Greenpeace over their toxic products. They have also urged consumers to avoid products made by these Companies unless they change their ways.
The latest Guide to Greener Electronics assesses for the first time TVs and the games consoles market, concluding that Nintendo “completely fails to show any environmental credentials and Microsoft and Philips do little better.”
The Greener Electronics Guide urges manufacturers to get ‘green’ by naming and shaming the companies that use the most hazardous chemicals and materials.
“We want manufacturers to get rid of harmful chemicals in their products. We want to see an end to the stories of unprotected child labourers scavenging mountains of cast-off gadgets created by society’s gizmo-loving ways,” says Greenpeace.
The Guide ranks companies according to their policies and practices on toxic chemicals and ‘takeback’ or recycling their own products. Companies under the spotlight are those that manufacture mobile phones, personal computers, TVs and games consoles.
“Nintendo has the dubious honour of being the first company to score 0/10 in the guide. Microsoft did little better, scoring only 2.7. Philips is the lowest TV-maker scoring only 2. The companies are new to the Guide so have plenty of room for improvement,” said Greenpeace.
“Heading the ranking, Sony Ericsson has taken over number one spot from Nokia while Samsung and Sony have surged ahead to now occupy second and third positions. Nokia and Motorola have each had a penalty point deducted after we found their claims of global takeback were not being matched by actual practice.”
While Greenpeace admits that most major computer manufacturers have now committed to removing some hazardous chemicals from their product, Greenpeace is urging consumers to challenge the rest by filling out a template on Greenpeace’s website that will be forwarded to major manufacturers.
“Dear CEO,” the letter says.
“When I next need to replace my computer I would like to have the choice of buying a greener computer.
“Your company, along with others in the industry, has improved environmental policies and promised products free of the most hazardous chemicals in 2008/9.
“My challenge to you is to be the first company to put on the market a computer entirely without the worst chemicals (Brominated flame retardants, Polyvinyl chloride) to clearly demonstrate your leadership in greener computing.”
Greenpeace tests companies in six countries, with full tests of their takeback policies.
“Companies shouldn’t be under any illusions that we won’t check up on their claims of green greatness,” said Greenpeace toxics campaigner, Iza Kruszewska.
