Daily Greenz #90

In past years, Apple has received a bad rep for being every eco-consumer’s worst nightmare. In fact, Greenpeace ranked Apple as having the worst environmental record among 14 major electronic companies, based on its use of harmful chemicals and failure to implement a recycling program for its products.

In a recent effort to improve its public image, Apple has released the MacBook Air. Thin enough to fit into a manila envelope, it’s also one of the lightest laptops on the market, which means it takes less greenhouse gases to deliver to consumers. The improvements don’t stop there: the laptop’s case is made of aluminum, which is easily recyclable. In addition, there’s no PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or BFR (bromide) in this model, and Apple also refrained from using
mercury and arsenic in the Macbook Air’s LCD display and glass. Finally, they reduced the packaging for the
laptop by more than 50%, and it proudly displays the Energy-Star for energy efficiency.

Greenpeace gave it a nod for being considerably more eco-friendly, but has urged Apple to incorporate green practices for all its products. Available for $1,799 at www.apple.com.

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Daily Greenz #43

Zonbu is a cigar-box shaped computer system that claims to save its subscribers up to $10 a month off their energy bill. Though it looks unassuming, this little box hooks up to a monitor, keyboard and mouse and includes over 20 applications, including a word processor and internet, It uses the Linux operating system, which rivals Mac and Windows systems and has been growing in popularity, according to Sonbu’s creator, Gregoire Gentil.

This $12.95 monthly cost is an unavoidable downside, and is barely offset by the energy the device saves. The upside? Zonbu backs up your data as you go, so you don’t end up losing that project you have due at 9am. It’s also easy to navigate. Check out the prices–and definitely try out the tutorial–at zonbu.com.

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