Greenpeace Slams Nintendo, Toshiba and Dell for Low Environmental Standards

Toshiba (News - Alert)turns out terrific TV sets, Dell makes sturdy computers and Nintendo makes a mean 'Wii' - but none of these electronics hotshots is scoring high marks when it comes to the environment.

The global environmental organization Greenpeace - known for its occasionally radical advocacy tactics -- slammed Nintendo and Toshiba for low environmental standards in its latest 'Guide to Greener Electronics' report. In turn, it praised Nokia and Sony Ericsson (News - Alert)for recycling and phasing out hazardous substances.

The quarterly report, released in Tokyo's Akihabara electronics district Wednesday, includes ratings of 18 of the world's major consumer electronics companies on their environmental credentials.

Among other things, Greenpeace's initiative targets elimination of two toxic chemicals in particular -- polyvinyl chloride and brominated flame retardants. Greenpeace researcher Iza Kruszewska said in the report that highly toxic dioxins were released when collectors of electronic waste in developing countries burn PVC cables to recover the copper inside or cook circuit boards in acid to recover gold.

Kruszewska said gaming stalwart Nintendo was 'the only company that has never engaged in dialogue with Greenpeace' among big industry players.

Nintendo could not be reached for comment.

Meanwhile, just one day after Greenpeace launched its latest consumer electronics rankings, the environmental advocacy group protested computer giant Dell (News - Alert), for the company's backtracking on its public commitment to eliminate key toxic chemicals in its products by 2009.

Greenpeace said that climbers scaled the company's global headquarters and hung a banner off the building with a message directed at CEO Michael Dell: 'Michael, What the Dell? Design Out Toxics.'

The Greenpeace-issue also states the organization's demand that Dell detail a phase-out plan for the end of its use of polyvinyl chloride plastic and brominated flame retardants by the company's new 2011 deadline.

The protest follows similar demonstrations against Dell at its offices in Bangalore, Amsterdam and Copenhagen. Dell had previously committed to phasing out toxic chemicals by 2009, but then pushed back its goal to the end of 2011.

'Dell continues to sell products that are littered with toxic chemicals, despite promises made years ago to phase them out,' said Greenpeace International Toxics Campaigner Casey Harrell. 'Dell can't fulfill its aim to be the greenest technology company on the planet until it follows the lead of Apple (News - Alert), HP and Indian brands HCL and Wipro, which are phasing out the use of these toxic chemicals.'

In a response obtained by TMCnet, Dell's spokeswoman noted a number of green initiatives the company has taken, and addressed the Greenpeace grievance.

"We have always been committed to eliminating BFR/PVC from our products, and we plan to achieve that goal by the end of 2011 for newly introduced personal computing products," the spokeswoman told TMCnet, in an e-mail statement. "This task presents challenges, but we're working closely with our suppliers to find reliable, environmentally preferable alternatives that maintain the performance standards our customers require."

Dell's spokeswoman noted that Dell already delivers some BFR/PVC-free or -reduced products today.

"Our G-series light-emitting diode (LED) monitors, for example, are free of PVC, BFR, arsenic and mercury; their external chassis is made of more than 25 percent post-consumer recycled materials; and their energy efficient design earned them EPEAT Gold certification," the spokeswoman noted, adding that beyond BFR/PVC, "we've committed to introduce arsenic-free display glass in all notebooks and many display monitors, and we offer a variety of Dell notebooks with mercury-free LED (light-emitting diode) backlighting."

This is just one aspect of Dell's commitment to environmental responsibility.

In early May, Dell announced that its bamboo packaging had been certified "compostable," making responsible disposal of the packaging easier and more sustainable for customers.

According to Dell, he packaging received American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D-6400certification. This certification confirms the packaging, made from mechanically pulped bamboo from a Forest Stewardship Council-certified bamboo forest in China, will compost and biodegrade at a rate comparable to known compostable materials when added to a hot, active compost pile. The certification also assures that the compost resulting from the packaging's degradation process is of good quality and can sustain plant growth.
 

Marisa Torrieri is a TMCnet Web editor, covering IP hardware and mobility, including IP phones, smartphones, fixed-mobile convergence and satellite technology. She also compiles and regularly contributes to TMCnet's gadgets and satellite e-Newsletters. To read more of Marisa's articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Marisa Torrieri