Apple under fire for pollution and poisoned Chinese workers

[marmar]

Agence France-Presse, via Grist:



by Agence France-Presse
20 Jan 2011 11:57 AM


SHANGHAI -- Chinese environmental groups on Thursday singled out Apple for failing to tackle concerns over pollution and the health of workers at plants making parts for trendy gadgets such as its iPhone.

In a new report, the groups said the U.S. giant ranked last in a survey of how 29 multinational technology companies respond to inquiries about pollution and workplace health hazards at factories in their supply chain in China.

The study reflects over a year's work by more than 30 Chinese environmental NGOs to pressure multinational companies into being more accountable for their impact on the country's environment.

"Apple has broken its promise on three aspects of supply-chain social responsibilities," said the report, the main author of which is the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, an independent Beijing-based organization. .............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.grist.org/article/2011-01-20-apple-under-fire-for-pollution-and-work-safety-problems-in-china

[Overseas]

1. K&R. Glad to see the international scrutiny.

We are so grandiose about clear cut human rights abuses by the Chinese government, but have been in public denial about our own.

So unwilling to look at working conditions and environmental safeguards in the factories outsourced from here. Those are just more isolated incidents I guess. Privatized.

Glad to see a little request for more corporate accountability.

[obxhead]

2. The reply from the huge Apple can do no wrong crowd?

:popcorn:

I expect it will be *crickets* and anonymous unrecs.

[gateley]

3. I'm an Apple snob and I'm glad this has been made public. That's the only

way companies seem to take action, if news gets out that could hurt their bottom line. I hope other Apple devotees will join me in contacting the company and issuing threats to take our business elsewhere in the future. Companies don't care if we're disappointed, shocked, dismayed, they only care if again, it affects their sales.

So, sorry to disappoint you, but carry on brushing with broad strokes and assuming you know how individuals will respond. :eyes:

[Luminous Animal]

4. I've always owned apple computers and I recced before I read your post

and the nasty one you responded to.

I'll join you in contacting the company.

[gateley]

14. I've always been so impressed by their innovation and products, so it's almost

natural to think the company is a "good guy". But alas, it's another publicly traded company that is mandated to pursue profits for its stockholders. It's just wrong, though, when profits come at the expense of people and the environment. :(

:hi:

[Catherina]

16. +1 You beat me to it. n/t

[femrap]

10. One can buy a

used Apple....money doesn't go to the corporation. Write and tell them that.

Steve Jobs is getting his Karma back in spades....look at his health. He won't be here next year.

[gateley]

Good point about buying used! nt

[femrap]

13. I'm typing on one now.

It might not be the latest, but it's good. I only buy Chinese 'used'.....unless it costs less than a dollar. That's my rule and I have been very strict since '89. I kinda feel guilty about the $1 rule which I instituted 2 years ago....

[gateley]

17. Good for you! And that must be tough to find something NOT made in China!

I was thrilled the other day when I checked an item I bought and it was made in Viet Nam!

I'd go easy on yourself with your dollar rule - think of how much you're NOT buying! Hardly anything costs less than a dollar! My hat's off to you! :headbang:

[femrap]

26. Thank you....but it's really not

that difficult. HONEST! I seem to always find what I need. Vietnam is becoming a big exporter to the US....and we kinda owe them.

The less than a dollar stuff is usually from Michael's Crafts....cards, stickers, post-its, socks, pencils, stockings....little Xmas stuff that I donate to Domestic Violence Shelters or Transitional Homeless shelters for women. I wait until after Xmas and they mark the stuff down to 20 to 25 cents each. I'm all set for next Xmas!!!! I love a bargain and I love to share with others who need some fun gifts.

Marc's is another place I can find gloves, hats, socks for under a dollar! And great candy sales at the Holidays.

:hi:

[Luminous Animal]

21. I always buy used. When I want or need a new computer, I can usually find

the newest one for 25%-35% off on Craigslist. And, often, with extra and necessary (to me) software that does not come with a new Apple.

[femrap]

24. I was really surprised

that Apple didn't offer the software as it had in the past....so I'm with you.:thumbsup:

[Maru Kitteh]

22. It's really disgusting to blame illness on the ill. It's ugly superstitious woo to imply people get

sick because they've been bad people. When you paint one with that brush, you paint everyone. I have a niece who was born with hydrocephalus and complications still find occasion to threaten her life. What evil do you imagine she committed to "deserve" her disease?

[femrap]

23. Karma is a common

and world-wide belief....some believe it goes back to past lives. Sorry I offended you. But I didn't invent Karma.

[glinda]

30. It doesn't work in the way that you imply it regarding "ill" of others.

[femrap]

31. think whatever you want. believe

whatever you want. But don't tell me what the fuck to believe. Got it?

I feel as if I am back in fucking junior high.

[Maru Kitteh]

33. In other words - it's superstitious clap-trap used to blame people for their own illnesses,

without the employ of logic, reason, evidence or compassion.

[femrap]

32. So you have 2

'personalities' here on DU....both from the Great American West. I don't want to hear from either of your split personalities.

[Maru Kitteh]

34. Accusing me of having a sock puppet is both a violation of DU rules and patently false.

Why on earth would I need another me to deal with you? You hardly seem complicated enough to bother with even so little effort as that would require.

[obxhead]

19. Thank you for proving me wrong. nt

[gateley]

27. I'm not the only one -- others have chimed in. We don't think Apple is an

above-it-all company, just that their products are. :7 :hi:

[gateley]

5. Contact info for Apple's HQ:

Apple
1 Infinite Loop
Cupertino, CA 95014
408.996.1010

[Catherina]

7. Thanks Gately. Writing now for whatever good it'll do. n/t

[gateley]

11. I'm going to call tomorrow to see if there's an e-mail address, too. You're right,

never know if it's going to do any good, but at least we need to let these companies know that we're aware and we disapprove. Especially if we've supported and endorsed them. Thanks! :hi:

[Catherina]

20. The best I could find is Investor Relations Contact

I agree with you, we have to rein in these corporations because we're responsible for their success and their conduct.


Investor Relations Contact
Investor Relations
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Email
[e-mail]

Business Conduct

The way we do business worldwide

Apple conducts business ethically, honestly, and in full compliance with all laws and regulations. This applies to every business decision in every area of the company worldwide.
Apple’s Principles of Business Conduct

Apple’s success is based on creating innovative, high-quality products and services and on demonstrating integrity in every business interaction. Apple’s principles of business conduct define the way we do business worldwide. These principles are:

• Honesty. Demonstrate honesty and high ethical standards in all business dealings.
• Respect. Treat customers, suppliers, employees, and others with respect and courtesy.
• Confidentiality. Protect the confidentiality of Apple’s information and the information of our customers, suppliers, and employees.
• Compliance. Ensure that business decisions comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/External.File?item=UGFyZW50SUQ9NTQ1NTF8Q2hpbGRJRD0tMXxUeXBlPTM=&t=1

[gateley]

25. Excellent! Good find! My best friend owns stock so I think, by osmosis, I could

be considered an investor! :7

I will call AND e-mail!

Thanks!!!

[Catherina]

28. Investor Relations should care about consumer complaints also

I'm too far to call but I wrote and let them know how upset I am that 1. their manufacturing isn't in the US so they can make staggering profits off the misery of mistreated, underpaid workers while destroying the environment and that 2. I'll never buy another product from them until the rectify this situation and compensate the people who were hurt.

My expanded letter was signed with real name and lists/dates of Apple purchases.

[gateley]

29. I like the lists/dates of purchases -- I'm going to do that, too! Thanks!

[OhioChick]

6. Rec n/t

[Catherina]

8. Delighted to hear they're under fire. We need more of this. Rec'd n/t

[femrap]

9. Well, that explains

the Karma that has hit Steve Jobs right between the eyes.

I haven't purchased 'Made in China' since '89 unless I absolutely have to. I don't need the shirt, the coat.

All I gotta say is when China puts an embargo on us...it's going to be a very dark country....lamps and lamp bulbs are all made there.

We have dug our own grave....well, the rich white boyz have dug the grave....may they choke on their money.

[femrap]

12. I'm sure Apple is NOT

alone in this exploitation. Not alone by far.

Do you know what the biggest export is by the US? Trash....where does it go?

[Catherina]

15. Really? Tell me more please. n/t

[Brickbat]

18. If it says "Made in China," I assume it's been made with slave labor. And if it's made with slave

labor, 99 times out of 100 I'm not going to buy it.

[Hannah Bell]

35. kr