Dec 20, 2008 07:30 PM
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In a blog post, Dell VP Bob Pearson outlines his views on Apple's environmentally-focused MacBook ads, and dismisses Apple's claims as rhetoric rather than action. He also blasts Apple for their lack of transparency.
Referring to this ad, Pearson throws down the gauntlet on Apple's commitment to the environment. He says Apple has not participated in discussions on environmentally-friendly electronics manufacturing, and that "Apple employees are not allowed to blog," which is sort of true but not very relevant. He also claims that Apple's boasting of "the world's greenest laptop" are without backing information, and that Dell's laptops demonstrate a greater commitment to the environment than Apple's. And lastly, he mentions Dell's recycling program, their carbon-neutral construction, and reduction of packaging, and questions whether Apple has achieved any of these goals.
This kind of back-and-forth is fun for us, but Pearson's claims are as limited and flawed as any fault he finds with Apple's television spots. First, Apple is not a particularly transparent company, but have been fairly open about their environmental developments and achievements, as seen here. Apple also has reduced packaging, which Pearson ignores, and Dell was not able to fulfill its stated goal of eliminating all PVC plastic and brominated flame retardants as promised. However, Dell's universal recycling program is far ahead of Apple's, so he makes a valid point there.
Dell and Apple are both making strides toward environmental responsibility, and we don't want to discourage them from competing on that front, however childish the arguments might be. But Pearson's post is full of the same kind of empty rhetoric of which he accuses Apple. My advice? Take the high road, Dell. Focus on what you do right, not what others do wrong. [Dell via TUAW]
Send an email to Dan Nosowitz, the author of this post, at dnosowitz@gizmodo.com.
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