Since August 2006, the organization has published the Guide to Greener Electronics, a campaign tool to create demand for greener electronics. Prompted by the devastating results of CE waste, which has found its way to the shores of India, China and West Africa, among other locations, Greenpeace updates the guide every three months. It monitors 18 companies, all making up the largest market share in the mobile phone, TV, PC and gaming console sectors.
According to Greenpeace international electronics campaigner, Casey Harrell, the results of burning CE waste for scrap gold or copper include the release of toxic materials into the air and water, leading to carcinogenic effects on the various populations.
So, the organization constructed key demands for CE manufacturers in the aforementioned sectors: phase out toxic chemicals from design—removing PVC and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) from all products; extend the life of products, taking back end-of-life products; and limit the carbon footprint, increasing renewable energy use.
The companies are assessed based on publicly available information and receive penalty points for breaking promises, double standards and out-right lying.
Companies are rated equally despite disparities in their product lines and production volumes. Most companies understand the organizations measures, Harrell said, and choose to evaluate their status in relation to other comparable companies.
"Since we began the program three years ago we've seen significant progress in the industry in key environmental criterion," said Harrell.
To further impact change, Harrell suggests that companies take action early in mapping out how they plan to meet their goals, such as eliminating PVC and BFRs from their product lines.
Some of the top companies according to the guide are Apple and Sony Ericsson, which also are lobbying for regulation across the industry. Nokia also tops the organization's list.
For more information and to see who made the organization's "best" and "worst" of CES 2010, visit www.greenpeace.org/ces
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