Greenpeace: 'Michael, What the Dell?'

[cory777]

Source: CNET

Greenpeace activists on Wednesday cloaked Dell headquarters in Texas with a banner directed at founder Michael Dell that read, "Michael, What the Dell? Design Out Toxics! - Greenpeace."

The publicity stunt was timed with the Wednesday release of Greenpeace's 15th quarterly "Guide to Greener Electronics" (PDF).

The environmental activist group gave a low score to computer manufacturing giant Dell for its failure to make good on a promise to eliminate toxins like PVC plastics and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) from its products.

Greenpeace gave the company low points in its July 2009 guide for missing the deadline. This time, the group gave Dell low points and protested.

Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-20006011-54.html

[joeybee12]

1. Dell gives big-time to Repukes...that's why I didn't even consider them

when shopping for a new laptop.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

2. Their customer service has went to hell, too.

They used to make a decent product and had excellent CS. Those days are long gone.

[KansDem]

6. I always found this suspicious...

I mean, what's with the "E?" Coincidence? :shrug:

[Canuckistanian]

7. Dellenron? n/t

[Xenotime]

3. I support Apple for their approach to helping the environment..

[PSPS]

5. Yeah, never mind about their chinese slaves and stuff.

[boppers]

8. Apple audits for green tech, fair wages, safer processes, and publicly owns up.

They know they have a problem, and are working to fix it.

I'll take that over companies living in flat-out denial.

[onehandle]

4. Michael Dell is a Republican cretin. If you buy a Dell, you might as well send a check to Karl Rove.

He's an unoriginal liar and tax dodger.

[Michelle at Dell]

9. Response from Dell

Michelle at Dell here. Wanted to share that Dell is committed to integrating the most environmentally preferable materials into our products.

We have always been committed to eliminating BFR/PVC from our products, and we plan to achieve that goal by the end of 2011 for newly introduced personal computing products. This task presents challenges, but we’re working closely with our suppliers to find reliable, environmentally preferable alternatives that maintain the performance standards our customers require.

We already deliver some BFR/PVC-free or -reduced products today. Our G-series monitors, for example, are free of PVC, BFR, arsenic and mercury; their chassis is made of 25%+ recycled materials; and they’re EPEAT Gold certified.

Building greener products is just one aspect of Dell’s commitment to environmental responsibility, in addition to our free, convenient consumer recycling programs; our industry-leading ban on exporting e-waste; designing more sustainable packaging from materials such as bamboo; and meeting 25% of our company’s energy needs using renewable energy like wind and solar.

Thanks for the opportunity to discuss.

[bitchkitty]

10. You're welcome!

But what are you saying - that Greenpeace is mistaken or lying?

I wouldn't go so far as to call him a cretin since I don't know him personally but Michael Dell doesn't have a great reputation in progressive circles.

And while we're on the subject, you know I HATED those stupid "Dude" commercials and for that reason alone, even if I hadn't known that Michael Dell is a prick, I would never ever, ever get a Dell.

Once you go Mac...

[christx30]

11. I worked at Dell

for 12 years, until I was laid off 2 years ago. The job that I was doing (and doing very well, thank you very much) was moved down to Mexico. Guess it's easier to move the factory to a place with lower environmental standards. Those darn US environmental standards and taxes are just too high, I guess.
Many of the jobs at Dell that Americans used to do have now gone to Mexico and other places like that. Which is why, when it came time to get a new laptop, I went with HP. That's $600 that Dell isn't going to touch.

[davidinalameda]

12. how does one get a job being a PR whore for Dell

sounds like it could be fun