Chinese green groups criticize Apple

Posted on Saturday, January 22 2011 @ 1:40 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck

Reuters reports Apple is under fire by Chinese green groups for lax corporate oversight of its suppliers in China:

"We've found that Apple isn't honoring its commitment in ensuring its supply chain's work safety and environmental responsibility and giving dignity and respect to the workers," said Ma Jun, of the Institute of Public & Environmental Affairs (IPE) which published a detailed report on Apple supply chain malpractice Thursday, in conjunction with other green groups.

"(Apple) only care about the price and quality (of their products) and not the environmental and social responsibility issues. In some ways they drive the suppliers to cut corners to win their contracts," Ma said.

More details over here.

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Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.

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Re: Chinese green groups criticize Apple
by Anonymous on Saturday, January 22 2011 @ 15:18 CET

With SO many domestic environmental disasters that these publishers never bother to address, it should be obvious that this is a lobbying firm.

I wouldn't be suprised if they were paid by Apple's suppliers in China just to work on uprading the contract pricing.

If a firm bids on a contract with the implication that when they supply a product they will have to cut environmental corners, the onus falls on that company as much or more than the company they are supplying to. So Apple is responsible, but the supplying companies (who submitted bids mind you to win the contracts at the bid price) are responsible principally for manufacturing in an enthical and responsible way.

It's almost funny that a Chinese firm would criticize green policies. Do ANY of their companies really follow any fully green policies? Look at the smog you can see from space over Chinese cities. Address THAT before you go critiquing some foreign firm.

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