Apple MacBook Goes Green for Greenpeace
Apple finally listens to Greenpeace. The iPhone maker is rumored to release their next-gen MacBook with eco-friendly aluminum.
AppleInsider claims that the next version of Apple’s MacBook is ready to start production stateside, and that the iPhone maker has upgraded the laptop eco wise. The notebook’s plastic parts have been replaced by more eco-friendly aluminum. This news comes on the heels of announcing a greener iPod Nano last month - which also comes in green! This is a nice step forward considering the bad marks Apple has gotten in the past by Greenpeace.
Image source: Brianfit from Flickr
The claim is made that aluminum parts are more eco-friendly than plastic. Granted that plactic = petroleum; however, aluminum requires a ton of electricity to make (even recycled aluminum). This currently means a lot of carbon dioxide and other harmful gasses from burning coal.
My issue is with companies throwing out words such as- ’sustainable’, ‘carbon neutral’ or ‘eco-friendly’, to a public that cares but is mostly ignorant to environmental best-practices.
Once formed from its ore, aluminum is infinitely recyclable. Next, we must develop a recycle program for all electronic ware and enforce it, through pricing, laws, etc., My hometown has a large smelter where train loads of electronic equipment are melted down for the metals in them. The plastic is lost into the atmosphere, after serving as fuel and carbon source for the process. Less plastic is better for the air!
re: Kolby
But even with those factors, from what I have read, aluminum is still better than plastic. Any websites have disputing info?
[...] their GreenHeart phone and launched their environmental warranty for recycling products. As well, rumors that Apple will soon be selling an eco-friendly aluminum notebook have Mac devotees already cueing [...]