Not strictly distribution, but green electronics is an issue which is on everybody's agenda, and certainly featured as a topic at electronica, not least with the launch of Premier Farnell's e-waste campaign.
So the latest report from activist group Greenpeace is disappointing. In it's Guide to Greener Electronics the focus is on consumer electronics manufacturers and the verdict is "could do better".
Since its last report two years ago Greenpeace reports some progress on toxic and e-waste issues buts says only a minority of companies are leading on energy and climate change. Only three companies - Fujitsu Siemens Computers (FSC), Philips and Sharp - support the level of of cuts in greenhouse gases that science requires.
Only Philips and Hewlett-Packard get top marks for committing to make absolute reductions in their own greenhouse gas emissions from the product manufacture right through the supply chain (the italics are mine).
Many companies fall way short on using renewable energy, says Greenpeace, even though some actually make solar panels. Nokia comes out best here, sourcing 25 per cent of its total electricity usage from renewable energy and is committed to making that 50 per cent by 2010.
FSC, Motorola, Microsoft, Toshiba and Philips are also looking to use more renewable energy.
The news on toxics and e-waste scores Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Toshiba, FSC and Sharp for making products free of the worst toxic substances. Philips gets a rap for lobbying the European Commission against Individual Producer Responsibility.
"Greenpeace is calling for all companies to eliminate e-waste and get serious on energy issues," said Iza Kruszewska, the group's International Toxics Campaigner. "It's not good enough to just simply comply with regulations, to be truly green the sector musts step up to the challenge and show leadership."
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