Nintendo remains the least environmentally friendly electronics manufacturer, according to Greenpeace’s latest Guide to Greener Electronics rankings.
Greenpeace closely scrutinises the policies of leading global businesses, looking over a broad selection of company practices from the use of certain chemicals, to manufacturing standards, to each company’s attitude on waste management.
In the latest update to Greenpeace’s rankings Nintendo scored just 1.4 out of 10 for its policies on toxic chemicals, recycling and climate change, the lowest of the 18 companies featured. Greenpeace noted that it scored zero on all e-waste criteria.
Microsoft didn’t fare much better. The company placed 17th with a score of 2.4 out of ten, losing most points on the chemicals criteria. Sony was seventh with 5.1 out of ten, tying with Motorola and Samsung. The platform holder picked up points for disclosing externally verified greenhouse gas emissions, which were down 17 per cent over the eight year period 2000-2008. Apple took fifth place with a score of 5.1, while Nokia was first with 7.3.
"It’s time for a little less conversation and a lot more action on removing toxic chemicals," said Greenpeace's Casey Harrell in a statement. "Apple is leading and HP is playing catch up, but the lack of action from other companies is ensuring that customers and the environment are still losing out."