What You Can Do
Speak to Your Local Representatives
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation would be a vital step towards holding companies like Apple accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, particularly in the context of electronic waste (e-waste) management. By implementing EPR laws, governments would be able to mandate that manufacturers take responsibility for the collection, recycling, and disposal of their products once they reach the end of their usable life. For Apple, this would mean having to design products with easier recyclability and reuse in mind, incentivizing them to prioritize sustainable materials and production processes. EPR would not only encourage companies to minimize their environmental impact but would also foster innovation in product design and waste management strategies. By shifting the burden of e-waste management from taxpayers and local governments to producers, EPR legislation would promote a more sustainable approach to consumption and production, ultimately leading to a greener and more circular economy.
Expansion & Entrenchment of Right to Repair
Right to Repair legislation is a crucial measure aimed at empowering consumers and promoting sustainability in the electronics industry. By entrenching and expanding (across the US & World) the right for consumers to repair their devices, such as iPhones either independently or through third-party repair services, without facing restrictions or voiding warranties imposed by manufacturers like Apple, this legislation would promote greater consumer choice and reduce electronic waste. Mandating access to diagnostic tools, repair manuals, and spare parts would ensure that consumers have the resources they need to extend the lifespan of their devices and make informed repair decisions. By fostering a more competitive repair market and breaking down barriers to repair, legislation expanding and entrenching Right to Repair would not only empower consumers but also encourage manufacturers to design products with repairability and longevity in mind, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious electronics industry.
A Ban on Planned Obsolescence
A ban on planned obsolescence would represent a significant stride toward consumer protection and sustainability in the electronics industry, particularly concerning Apple’s iPhones. By prohibiting large-scale manufacturers like Apple from intentionally designing devices to become obsolete or non-functional after a predetermined period, this legislation would both safeguard consumer rights and promote environmental responsibility. Mandating longer software support periods and penalizing practices such as intentionally slowing down older devices through software updates would ensure that consumers can continue to use their devices effectively for extended periods, reducing the need for frequent upgrades and minimizing electronic waste. By holding manufacturers accountable for the longevity and functionality of their products, legislation banning Planned Obsolescence encourages innovation towards more sustainable and durable electronic devices, fostering a culture of responsible consumption and environmental stewardship.
Learn More & Spread the Word
Learn How to Read Sustainability Reports
Corporate sustainability reports are far from comprehensive, and you shouldn’t let their heft lull you into a false sense of security.
These beautifully-crafted documents are designed to be eye-catching, with intentional color, typography, and layout choices that ensure that the average reader sees the headlines and highlights but doesn’t look into them.
A closer examination tends to reveal a plethora of buzzwords, selective reporting, and a whole lot of fluffing up of typically doesn’t actually amount to much change in the grand scheme.
Learn to Read Between the Statistical Li(n)es
Graph literacy–the ability to interpret graphs and charts–in the United States is abysmal.*
Statistical cherry-picking and selective data visualization are powerful tools in the hands of the ill-intentioned and can easily lead many to believe false information about the extent to which corporate practices are damaging to people and the environment as well as the true extent to which the same companies are working to combat their faults.
Luckily, a few tips can help you and your friends avoid many common pitfalls associated with graph interpretation.
Learn about how to see through common data visualization lies here.
Make Your Voice Heard
Apple’s sustainability marketing stunts become more and more elaborate each year, with Academy Award-winning actress Octavia Spencer gracing one of their latest high-profile ads as ‘Mother Earth’ in their latest iPhone launch event.
Against impossibly large budgets and the full might of a multi-trillion-dollar behemoth that has weaved its way into the very fabric of American consumer culture, it’s instinctual to want to lay down and call it quits.
Please don’t.
Family, friends, classmates, and teachers–the list of people you can spread your newfound knowledge regarding corporate sustainability claims, efforts, and realities is endless.
Your voice counts. Please use it.
Vote with Your Wallet
Stop Upgrading So Often
If you do, look into how you can safely recycle your device
Explore Secondhand Options or Devices from Alternative Brands
Secondhand devices are
Engage in Shareholder Activism
Apple’