Tech Shout!

Greenpeace International has just released its 2007 rankings of the world’s most eco-friendly electronic firms. Apple has been ranked last in environmental friendliness, while Lenovo has been praised and ranked No. 1 by the environmentally-conscious organization.

Around 14 international firms were surveyed as part of the study in 2006, and then ranked by Greenpeace. This ranking for the year 2007 could not have come at a better time, as Global Warming continues to feverishly affect the planet and its people. And, it is common knowledge, that a number of electronics companies, actually contribute to this slow devastation of the Earth.

The ranking report that has been put together by Greenpeace has been based on the eco-friendly measures that are adopted in the production process by the biggest global electronics firms. The ranking is also based on the techniques used to recycle the hardware products.

The study shows an improvement in green measures adopted by a number of companies. However, the report failed to find any company or firm that has been consistently declared as ‘green’.

Chinese electronics firm Lenovo got 8 out of 10 for offering take back services in all the countries of the world where its products are sold. This means that the company recycles any broken or obsolete own-brand product that has been returned. However, the company lost some marks for still using some of the most toxic substances in the manufacture of its products.

However, Apple, which seems to be the world’s favorite brand, has been severely criticized by Greenpeace, for not setting a deadline for eliminating some toxic materials from its production processes. Apple managed to score just 2.7 out of 10 in the Greenpeace International rankings.

According to Greenpeace spokeswoman, Iza Kruszewska, Apple has been willing to meet legal requirements and basic standards, but it has not stopped using several types of harmful chemicals in its manufacturing.

However, an Apple spokeswoman Sheryl Sheitz rejected Greenpeace’s International ranking system.

“Apple has a strong environmental track record and has led the industry in restricting and banning toxic substances such as mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium, as well as many BFRs, or brominated flame retardants,” Apple spokeswoman Sheryl Sheitz said.

However, according to standards developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Apple products are not especially toxic. Interestingly, the Green Electronics Council that is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has found Apple products to be less toxic when compared to products from Lenovo and Dell.

The ranking along with the points released by Greenpeace are enlisted below:

Lenovo: 8

Nokia: 7.3

Sony/Ericsson: 7

Dell: 7

Samsung: 6.3

Motorola: 6.3

Fujitsu/Siemens: 6

Hewlett-Packard: 5.6

Acer: 5.3

Toshiba: 4.3

Sony: 4

LG Electronics: 3.6

Panasonic: 3.6

Apple: 2.7