Apple Criticized for Environmental Pollution

A group of Chinese environmental activists have accused Apple Inc. of turning a deaf ear to pollution hazards created by the manufacturing of its iconic iPhones, iPads, and other Apple merchandise.

A report published Wednesday accused Apple of violating its own corporate responsibility standards by using manufacturers that disregard anti-pollution laws.

According to Reuters, the 46-page report, published on the Beijing-based Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs' website (www.ipe.org.cn), stated that toxic discharges from Apple suppliers jeopardize public health and safety.

But Apple is defending itself. The tech giant said Thursday that it strives in "driving the highest standards of social responsibility."

According to Associated Press and Reuters, Apple stated that it requires its suppliers to provide safe working conditions, treat workers with dignity and respect, and utilize environmentally responsible production methods to make Apple products.

Reuters reported that this is not the first time Apple has been targeted for using suppliers that do not comply with anti-pollution regulations.

Recycled Rainwater Boon for Beijing Florists

Flooding and drought are two major problems in China. But some Beijing florists are finding alternative solutions to their water woes. Here's more.

In Beijing, diminishing supplies of underground water reserves are becoming a major concern. But now, florists in the city are turning to the clouds to solve their water worries. They've begun to gather rainwater.

Liu Jiansheng is one such florist. His business is booming recently and so are his water demands. Turning to collected rainwater has benefited not only the environment, but also his wallet.

[Liu Jiansheng, Beijing Florist]:
"The previous water cost of one pot of flower was about five yuan, while after the use of recycled water, I only spent three yuan on it, two yuan lower than before."

Liu makes about $25,000 for every 80-thousand flowerpots, so every cent counts.

Greenpeace Finds Toxic Toys Sold in Hong Kong and China

Greenpeace says dangerous chemicals have been found in toys sold in China and Hong Kong. The toys were made in mainland Chinese factories. The chemicals are used for softening plastic and can affect children's hormonal systems. 

Greenpeace urged authorities in Hong Kong and China on Wednesday to ban dangerous chemicals that were detected in children's toys. 

The toys contain plastic softening chemicals that have been banned in the United States and Europe. In tests carried out by an independent lab, the toys were found to contain phthalates. 

These chemicals can cause hormone malfunction and reproductive problems. Greenpeace campaigner Vivian Yau says those chemicals are especially dangerous to children. 

[Vivian Yau, Greenpeace Campaigner]: 
"Because it's a type of environmental hormone, it directly affects the endocrine and reproductive systems. It also has other toxicities which can damage other organ functions."

The tests found phthalates in 15 out of 20 toys bought in China, and 6 out of 10 samples bought in Hong Kong. All of the toys were made in China. 

Greenpeace is urging authorities to ban the use of these chemicals in toys. In the mean time, Yau says parents should keep the toys away from their kids.

[Vivian Yau, Greenpeace Campaigner]: 
"A lot of PVC will have phthalates. Because the government doesn't regulate their use, we don't know whether it's in a particular PVC. So now parents can just try to avoid buying [the toys]."

Toys made in China have been the center of safety concerns many times. Millions of toys with toxic metals or other harmful chemicals have been recalled overseas in recent years.

100 Billion Plastic Bags Saved from Landfills in China

In 2008, China implemented a new law forcing grocers to sell plastic bags to shoppers. While the law was rarely enforced, the ban still saved nearly 100 billion plastic bags from Chinese dumps and landfills. Meanwhile, back in the USA, California, known as one of the most environmentally friendly states in the Union, voted against a similar ban in 2010. 

Japan pushes rare earth recycling

Tokyo looks to budget $1.2 billion for finding alternative sources and supplies of rare earth, as China seeks to cut exports by another 30 percent.

BBC News - China's Grime Belt Air Pollution Extreme

BBC News Article on Environmental Issues