Own an iPod? Please iComplain if you care about the environment.

[Deja Q]

http://action.computertakeback.com/action/index.asp?step=2&item=10201

http://www.computertakeback.com/bad_apple/bad_apple_biz.cfm

Millions of people bought or received iPods digital music players this holiday season. The iPods contain toxics like lead and other harmful chemicals that are associated with infertility and brain damage. And because Apple has designed the iPod so that consumers cannot easily replace the batteries, consumers will either have to pay Apple a hefty fee to replace them or throw the used up iPods in the trash, ending up in landfills where the iPods will leak their poisons into our communities through the water and air. Some will be shipped overseas to China, India or Africa for metal recovery where poor children sifting through the trash will be poisoned with their toxics.

Especially with Al Gore of all people on Apple's board, this form of exploitative profiteering at the expense of the environment and the peoples of the world, especially those who ultimately get to dig through the garbage, is disgusting. To say I am disappointed is an understantement, I feel betrayed by him. And it's a reminder that any American corporation is just another reminder of corporate america. They are all increasingly the same and, at this point, I sure as hell will NEVER buy a Mac. Not upon knowing this. Sorry.

I also have no qualms adding this to the end of the pre-written letter:


P.S. Tell this to Al Gore. Being an environmentalist and all, I'm sure he'd be happy to do something about it, what with being on your board and all...

P.P.S. Please allow users to change their own batteries, for one. Don't lock them in. Not only is it disgusting to observe for environmental reasons, but I loathe exploitative profiteering as well.


I wonder what will happen the day I sell out, just like the rest of them: Jobs, Nader, whomever... seems like they're idealistic when young, but as they get older it's only money that matters. So what am I missing?

[wtmusic]

1. Oh paleeze

What you're missing is that every computer has lead. And you know what? Feel free to do the right thing and recycle that iPod, just like you should with any computer.

:eyes:

[da_chimperor]

2. Recycling in the computer/electronic industry is still a big problem.

It seems that apple isn't above it all, unfortunately. :( I don't know if having an unchangeable is done due to profits or engineering, however, but I'm biased.

[htuttle]

3. Make sure to complain to your cell phone manufacturers, too

And the company who made your microwave oven, and your DVD player, and your television, and...

[realisticphish]

4. im glad you can buy your microsoft

computer totally guilt-free; in fact, i'm suprised there wasnt a link to the microsoft store right in the letter.....


:hippie: The Incorrigible Democrat

[eyepaddle]

5. This is really sort of a side topic

but many communities have electronics recycling options--although they are often not well publicized.

In the twin cities several of the counties either offer special drop-off days, or accept them at their Household Hazardous Waste drop-off centers.

Having worked with all of them I have to say Hennepin's is the best--there is no charge to Hennepin residents at the HHW facilities and in Minneapolis you can just set it on the street and they pick 'em up--again at no charge. And most of the material recovery processing is done locally (disassembly and whatnot) Until recently Gopher smelting in Eagan was where picture tubes and computer monitors were smelted for lead recovery.

That's just a quick bit for Twin Cities DU'ers but I'm fairly sure most communities across the country have some options--and if interest is strong enough will move to adopt more and more convenient methods of "e-cycling." (it's a good idea, but damn if I don't hate the cutesy "e-cylcing" tripe!)

Just throwin out a plug y'all!

on edit: oops! it's "all" not "al"

[AndyTiedye]

6. Some Companies Have E-Waste Recycling Days for Employees...

...to bring in their dead computer hardware for recycling.
Mine does.

[KitchenWitch]

8. Yeah, Hennepin County is good about that

Bloomington has an annual household cleanup drive...The HHW still has to be brought to the HHW site, but we are allowed to put out all kinds of stuff on the curb for pickup...It is hilarious watching all the people in pickups and vans perusing everyone's piles...

[ikojo]

7. I think it's good that Hypno Toad bring this topic

up....he references iPods because they are so ubiquitous now. The same IS true of all electronic equipment. Thanks for making me aware of this issue.

I've upgraded computers and what I do with my old ones is give them to friends who use them.

[AndyTiedye]

9. iPod Batteries Aren't That Hard to Replace

Though having tried that with our old iPod, we found that the disk
drive was failing too.

So now we have a new spare iPod battery. Anyone need one?

Obviously, ewaste of any sort shouldn't go into the landfill.

This is nothing specific to Apple. MP3 players by every manufacturer
have essentially the same parts in them. If anything, Apple stuff is
less likely to get thrown out because it is so expensive and thus more
likely to be worth repairing.