On the occasion of Earth Day 2023a global event celebrated on April 22, one month and two days after the vernal equinox, Apple announced major progress towards its goal of make each of its products carbon neutral by 2030. Apple has long since achieved this goal for all of its global business operations and has reduced its overall carbon footprint by more than 45% since 2015. By 2025, Apple will also use 100% recycled cobalt in its batteries.
Apple’s environmental efforts last year, the statement said they avoided more than 28 million tons of carbonthanks to the construction of products with recycled and low-carbon materials and the expansion of renewable energy along the global supply chain. The 2023 Environmental Progress Report, released today by Apple (link in SOURCE), details this progress and the company’s ongoing work with recycling innovation, natural resource stewardship, and clean energy initiatives.
More than 250 suppliers, which account for 85 percent of Apple’s manufacturing spending, have committed to using renewable energy, according to the report. Last year there were 213.
Lisa JacksonApple’s vice president of environment, policy and social initiatives, said the company is closer than ever to achieving its Apple 2030 vision and urged customers to use their Apple devices knowing that
“They’re made with the environment in mind, with more clean energy, longer life in the industry, even greater efficiency, and more recycled and low-carbon materials than ever before.”
Apple also forged new partnerships for innovative climate solutions and engaging communities, demonstrating its commitment to working with others to address the climate crisis. Earth Day 2023, the note continues, offers the perfect opportunity to “celebrate these important advances” and to continue “work together to protect our planet”.
The Cupertino company has also announced a new framework for share the results of its environmental efforts, including the use of renewable energy, energy efficiency and material innovation, and has published updated reports on the environmental impact of some of its productsincluding iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPad (10th generation), MacBook Air with M2 chip, and Apple Watch Series 8, to clearly show progress to customers
They have been conducted a series of detailed analyses to determine the percentage of manufacturing powered by clean energy sources for each of these products and how the use of recycled materials is reducing each device’s climate impact.
For example, Apple reduced MacBook Air emissions with M2 by 38% thanks to the use of 40% of total recycled and renewable content in the device. Even for the Apple Watch Series 8, the company’s actions, including the use of 40% renewable electricity for production, they reduced the climate impact of the device by 26%.
Apple plans to share this detailed level of progress in future product environment reports, building on the company’s longstanding commitment to transparency and encouraging customers to follow the journey to carbon neutral products.
Apple is offering its customers multiple ways to connect with the environment and take action to reduce their impact on the planet on Earth Day and beyond. One such way is the free trade-in and recycling program for old devices, which helps divert e-waste from landfills and save valuable materials. Apple also developed the Daisy disassembly robot to recycle old devices and promote the use of recycled and renewable materials in its products
Also, Apple is encouraging customers to visit their stores and participate in Today at Apple programming, which includes educational activities for children and programs that explore the power of recycled plastics. There are also apps on the App Store that teach customers how to adopt more sustainable behaviors, such as buying secondhand clothes or promoting ethical and sustainable fashion.
Apple TV+ celebrates Earth Day with a number of new programs, including the Jane series, inspired by the work of legendary conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall, and a series of collections inspired by the mantra “The future belongs to us”.
Starting April 21, Apple Music will feature exclusive content inspired by nature, with new music and soundscapes from Apple TV+, including a takeover “Mixtape for Mother Earth” featuring Extrapolations talent Ben Harper.
To celebrate Earth Day, users of Fitness+ they will have access to a series of themed workouts and a new meditation that reflects on the resilience of the planet through the seasons.
On April 22, Apple Watch users can earn a limited edition prize for Earth Day by completing any workout of 30 minutes or more.
Users interested in learning more about the climate crisis and exploring new ways to act can listen on Apple Podcasts “Revitalizing Our Home” conversations and stories that provide an opportunity to better understand our impact on the planet and what it will take to undo the damage that is being done.
Apple Books will offer new and popular books and audiobooks that explore environmental issues and actions customers can take to do their part. Apple Books also invited Leah Thomas, author of The Intersectional Environmentalist, to curate a collection of goal-broadening titles for Earth Day.
Apple Maps introduces new guides curated by Tinybeans for users to discover sustainable stores like zero-waste charging stations and zero-waste take-out locations in Chicago, Los Angeles and other US cities, and learn more about the zero-waste shopping movement
