Apple today released its 2021 Environmental Progress Report, outlining the company’s ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impact and combat climate change.
Apple's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030 is the focus of the report. For example, Apple highlights the increasing use of recycled materials in its products and packaging, the emphasis on environmentally conscious design, and the use of renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions. Apple explained that increasing the energy efficiency of a device can significantly reduce the carbon emissions a device produces over the course of its use. For example, it mentioned that the low power consumption of the M1 chip reduced the Mac mini's overall carbon footprint by up to 34 percent.
Apple: iPhone becomes more environmentally conscious
The company addressed some of the more controversial environmental decisions it has made in the last year, such as removing the power adapter and EarPods from the iPhone. Apple says this eliminates the need to unnecessarily dig 861,000 tons of copper, tin and zinc from the earth. The move allowed for thinner iPhone boxes, so 70 percent more iPhones can now fit on each shipping pallet, reducing the overall carbon footprint of device transportation. The report also draws attention to Apple's recent announcement of a $200 million contribution to the Restore Fund, which invests in forestry projects to remove carbon from the atmosphere. Those who want to see the full report can find the PDF here. (Image: Apple)
