Apple's recycle program
Lynn wrote in Monday's InfoManager...
. . . "Apple has started accepting not only Macs with at purchase of a Mac, but also various PCs. The specifics are available at the web site. "
Fred posts his comments.
Playing Devil's advocate:
Lynn, when I see promos like this I have to scratch my head and wonder WHY.
At face value, everyone would say this is a wonderful gesture for Apple. But, understanding Apple's history, it's highly unlikely they do anything without a profit motive. Some might say it's a marketing ploy to sell more Macs. But I think not -- considering all you have to do is set equipment out by the curb to "recycle" it. Others might say it's a PR scheme to raise Apple's esteem. Maybe. Perhaps it's to increase traffic at their stores.
Note that they never say what actually happens to the equipment once Apple gets it back. They do make it clear however that equipment "Must be packed to ensure product will not shift or break."
Recycling typically crushes the equipment, separates metals, glass and plastics, then grinds everything up. Plastic and glass is melted for re-use; metals returned to the forges. Toxic materials are siphoned off and destroyed through a gasification process. (I learned the process specifically through producing literature for a client who was marketing a mobile recycling/gasification plant.)
To me, there's something wrong with this picture.
More glaring is the amount of energy expended to fulfill the program. Packaging, movement, shipping, and more packaging. Calculations might reveal that Apple's own "program" wastes more motion, energy and natural resources, than the recycled computer "saves" in terms of the environment.
Most glaring is the fact that there's no buying incentive, nor discount. The only real transaction is providing Apple with your validated email address. And we KNOW where that leads.
No, call me stubborn, but I'm saving the planet by finding a new owner for the computer -- thus keeping it in service.
Learn all about Apple's recycle program
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