There is a lot of discussion amongst technology writers/reporters regarding the 'greenness' of iPad. Korea IT Times [KIT] decided to discuss this in terms of what type of consumer will buy an iPad.
Some weeks ago, KIT published an article on differing facets of being a 'Green Tech' Consumer in which the following aspects for making purchasing decisions were explained by expert on 'why consumers buy green,' Diego Alfonso Vazquez of Cardiff University.
The aspects that we choose from to identify with, were said previously to be: Organic, fair trade, not packaged, seasonal, natural/recycled, energy efficient and sustainable. Interpreted in the context of the iPad with a rating of Very much so, Neutral or Not at all.
We combined recent breaking news together with the Mother Nature's Network assessment points made for the iPad to determine whom the device suits and how well the device stacks up on what are known to be desirable aspects of 'Green.'
- Organic = Not at all, 1. ITO, the base of the screen materials uses Indium, an endangered mineral in that while it is abundant in the earth, like trees are, some reports cite only 6,000 tonnes of Indium is able to be used commercially, or bear fruit. Even if it is recycled it may be seen to be presumptuous that all the world wants the Indium supply contained in iPads. Neutral 1. Mercury-free.
- Fair trade = Not at all-Neutral, Foxconn, Apple's manufacturing company encountered multiple employee suicides, many of whom cited work conditions as reasons, though Foxconn have taken steps to make improvements.
- Not packaged = Neutral, 1. The technology replaces a paper/plastic need, by combining devices and being a phone, laptop and eReader. Very Much So 1. The iPad has a recycled aluminum casing.
- Seasonal = Neutral
- Natural/recycled = Very much so 1. Apple can recycle the iPad, 2. The product has uses recycled aluminium.
- Energy efficient/sustainable= Very much so 1. LED display far more efficient than LCD screens, 2. The recyclability is good but the point isn't counted because it is in the previous category.
Totals:
Not at all = 2
Neutral = 4
Very Much so = 2
* All ipad good and bad points counted only once irrepective of aspect crossover.
According to these ratings, the iPad looks like it will appeal to a consumer unmotivated by organic or science and nature concerns or fair trade problems. The iPad looks as if it is most likely of appeal to Green Tech consumers concerned with energy efficiency and sustainability as well as recycling and those with little or no environmental concerns, the neutral.
The aspects of 'Green' cited in the consumer motivation article were not really intended to use to rate products but the original question raised with the previous article about what a 'Green Tech' product would look like that rated high on all aspects of green appears to be pertinent and interesting.
Credits:
Mother Nature Network Assessment [Thank you Karl Burkart]
Foxconn improvement initiatives
