Control the Change

According to this BBC article on GreenPeace and the gaming industry, they are now going after the gaming industry to reduce harmful/toxic chemicals/components in the consoles (this is similar to their work last year on the computer industry that took special interest in Apple and it’s apparent lack of action (Apple’s been doing things, instead of just writing it’s intentions and not acting on them); this turned out to be a problem for GreenPeace as they later were found to be lacking in integrity on their attack of Apple). The intent of their analysis and putting pressure on various industries, is laudable and I do agree with the intent; but the problem is GreenPeace seems often to almost go for the sensationalism of their actions and there seems to be a lack of realism at the same time in their work. I will say, that I agree with their aims; but don’t like the means by which they try to achieve them.

That said, businesses, unless governments setup rules to force them to improve their processes and reduce pollution and use of toxic materials, will not generally change their ways; this is until the market dictates (by which time it could be too late).

So, we seem to be stuck at an impasse; do we use GreenPeace’s information and intent or await the industry to act? I say both can be done by the following means:

1. If you intending to purchase a computer or gaming console, make sure it’s as “green” as possible; maybe use GreenPeace’s information as a starting point to help.
2. If you own a current system (computer or gaming console), can you use it better/make it last longer; so that way, though it may have toxic materials in it, you don’t add new toxins to your house and make better use of what you have (hey, might save you money too).
3. If you’re going to buy new and have plans to get rid of your old system, why not look at selling it on Craigslist or somewhere else; that way, another person can use it and save the environment from one less piece of junk in the dump.

Well, there you have my thoughts on the topic. DO you agree, disagree, write a comment and let me know.

Cheers,

BlackMacX