Green Apple Macs
Don't get Mac users started. There are a million
reasons why a Mac is better than a PC, and if you're a PC fan, you're
not going to win this debate. Much of the argument for Macs vs. PC
centers on usability, reliability and sometimes, just subjective
preference for a Mac. Die hard Mac users will never switch to a PC, but
is there a new factor that just might convince PC user holdouts to make
the switch?
Apple is now advertising their Mac mini as one of the first truly green
computers. But what does this really mean? Is this just another way of
advertising meant to tug on the consciences of those of us who have
decided to green our lives? In this new wave of eco-technology, Apple is
at the forefront (at least this is what they claim). How green is Apple?
The new Mac mini's impact on the environment is touted to be as small as
it is, and "the world's most energy-efficient desktop computer." It was
designed with its entire lifecycle in mind in terms of energy
efficiency, performance, material content, and recyclability.
Energy efficiency in a computer is easy to measure - there's nothing
subjective about that. We also know what materials can and can't be
recycled, so that's clear as well. Same for materials used. Heavy
metals: bad; safe materials: good. A computer that uses less energy is
OF COURSE better for our planet, as are all the other energy efficient
appliances we can now buy for household use.
One thing that CAN'T be measured as concretely is the impact of the
manufacturing process used to produce these computers. Most computers
are no longer manufactured in the United States, and Macs are no
exception. Most are produced in China or other Asian countries, where
production of most computer components is outsourced. Why? Simple:
because it's cheaper. And it's cheaper in part because developing
countries like China have less stringent environmental regulations and
more lax labor standards - hence lower production costs.
The energy that goes into producing the energy efficient Mac mini could
be produced with "dirty energy" from coal or other polluting electricity
generating methods. Likewise, unless there's careful oversight,
components could be used that don't meet all the green standards set by
Apple production headquarters in the United States. Onsite monitoring is
crucial. Finally, for a product to be truly green, the labor component
of production must be considered. Are workers paid fair wages and do
they work reasonable hours? What are their working conditions?
So the answer to the "Green Apple" question is not that simple. It's yet
to be seen how green the new minis really are, but one thing is clear.
In the computer world, Apple is taking the lead and the greening of the
new Mac mini is a good start.
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