Apple Releases 2015 Environmental Responsibility Report

Apple has released its 2015 Environmental Responsibility Report, covering fiscal year 2014.

We strive to leave the world better than we found it, and that means considering everything we do—from the design of our products to the processes we use to make and recycle them. Our passion for innovation is also reflected in how we think about environmental responsibility. Our goal is to make not just the best products in the world, but the best products for the world.

The company says it has set three priorities:
● Reduce our impact on climate change by using renewable energy sources and driving energy efficiency in our products.
● Conserve precious resources so we all can thrive.
● Pioneer the use of greener materials in our products and processes.


Here are some highlights of their key accomplishments...

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For starters, every one of our data centers is powered entirely by clean sources such as solar, wind, biogas fuel cells, micro-hydro power, and geothermal energy. So whenever you download a song from iTunes, install an app from the Mac App Store, or ask Siri a question, the energy Apple uses is provided by nature.

Of course, the cleanest energy is the energy you never use. That’s why, thanks to innovations in energy efficiency, we’ve reduced the average total greenhouse gas emissions during the use phase of our products by 61 percent since 2008—helping reduce our customers’ carbon footprints and electricity bills. And each one of our products far exceeds the strict energy efficiency guidelines set by ENERGY STAR.

By working with The Conservation Fund, we’re permanently protecting more than 36,000 acres of working forest in the eastern United States. And we’re working to ensure that our product packaging has a net-zero impact on the world’s supply of sustainable virgin fiber.


We’ve led the industry in removing many harmful toxins from our products, such as PVC, brominated flame retardants, and phthalates. And we’ve designed iPhone 6, iPad Air 2, and MacBook to be beryllium-free. Many toxins are restricted not only in the products themselves but also in the manufacturing process, because we are committed to providing safe working conditions for the people who make, use, and recycle our products.

We now offer recycling programs in 99 percent of the countries where we sell our products and have diverted more than 508 million pounds of electronic waste from landfills since 2008. Every Apple Retail Store in the world will now take back Apple products for free and recycle them responsibly. We believe we must be accountable for every Apple product at every stage of its use.
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Many more details can be found in the full report linked below...

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