Earlier this month, Apple decided to remove all of its products from EPEAT Certification. There was substantial backlash from the environmental activists, so Apple has decided to pull a 180, and return to EPEAT.
Bob Mansfield:
We’ve recently heard from many loyal Apple customers who were disappointed to learn that we had removed our products from the EPEAT rating system. I recognize that this was a mistake. Starting today, all eligible Apple products are back on EPEAT. It’s important to know that our commitment to protecting the environment has never changed, and today it is as strong as ever. Apple makes the most environmentally responsible products in our industry. In fact, our engineering teams have worked incredibly hard over the years to make our products even more environmentally friendly, and much of our progress has come in areas not yet measured by EPEAT.
Something about this stinks of negotiations between Apple and the EPEAT, not a PR backlash. I can see it in my mind: Apple wanted something, the EPEAT refused, and so Apple took their ball and went home. When the EPEAT caved, Apple returned.
Maybe I’m wrong, and Apple just didn’t want to deal with the crazy environmental activists. Either way, Apple and the EPEAT are BFF again. The easily ruffled can calm down now, and everyone else can continue not caring about some certification. Nothing to see here. Nothing at all.
What do you think? Was this a bargaining thing on Apple’s part, or do you think it was simply a PR nightmare? Sound off in the comment section below this post.
Source: Apple
Image Credit: cbransto
