Green Technology: The Apple MacBook Pro

In today’s world, you can’t get far without a computer. More and more, business, school, and day-to-day life requires access to both the internet and typing in general. That said, it’s reasonable to ask the question as to whether or not owning a computer and being mindful about the environment are possible at the same time. Luckily for us, Apple has got that covered with their newest line-up of MacBook Pros, the greenest consumer laptops available.

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For the purpose of this review, we’ll focus on the largest, 17-inch, MacBook Pro. Unlike companies that have their computer manufacturing outsourced, Apple controls every aspect of their production and thus allowing complete control of the process. From the number of overall parts to materials and software, Apple is able to implement methods to reduce their carbon footprint in ways competitors can’t. Let’s take a look.

Aesthetics

To an average buyer, the look is always the most important thing. And for anyone who has ran into a MacBook, you know Apple has got this covered. MacBook Pros come with a sleek, silver exterior, a concaved area for the keyboard (snuggled in next to two speakers), black trim for the interior screen, and a lucrative black keyboard.

Perhaps the best feature of the MacBook Pro exterior is the casing. Mac has effectively revolutionized the way laptops are built with a single piece, aluminum wrap. This replaces dozens of other parts normally needed.

The 17-inch screen isn’t too shabby either. The arsenic-free display and highly recyclable glass enclosure compliment the mercury-free LED backlighting system.

The packaging for the computers is also clean and confident. Compared to traditional packages, the 17-inch MacBook Pro finds itself in a box 34 percent smaller. While this helps conserve packaging resources, it also prompts less demand for shipping, as more of a single product can be shipped at a time, taking a stab at CO2 emissions.

What Lies Beneath The Keyboard

When it comes to the wiring and system of the MacBook Pro, Apple follows the trend seen above. From circuit boards to cables to connectors, Apple has removed the dangerous chemical polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that is known to release hazardous chemicals. In addition, Apple has removed the related toxins found in brominated flame retardants (BFRs) from the same areas.

The system of the MacBook pro combines efficiency with efficacy. Because of controlling their production process, Apple designs their computers’ hardware and software to work together. Apple’s hard drives spin slower when not in use, the computer automatically determines the most energy efficient processer to use, and the whole computer even works to conserve energy while you type. Through this, MacBook Pros can run on about one-third the power of a single light bulb.

That said, the battery life of the MacBook Pro is astonishing. With an unbelievable 10 hours of run time and an estimated 1000 recharges, the computer life from the beginning is extended way past other brands. These changes and more helps the Apple MacBook Pro become one of the most energy efficient laptops available.

EPEAT And Energy Star

In reverence to Apple’s pursuit toward a greener laptop, the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) has given the laptops a top-shelf, Gold status rating based on how recyclable it is, the energy usage, and the design and manufacturing. “Few products achieve EPEAT Gold status — and even fewer notebooks.”

In addition, MacBook Pros meet the Energy Star 5.0 qualifications. Based on the overall typical annual power consumption, the EPA will declare whether or not a computer Pin Itmakes the difficult standards.

If you’re looking for a environmentally minded computer company, Apple is the “green” standard. They put the same thought into the MacBook Pro as they do with their other products, making them a competitive choice for a environmentally friendly computer gear. Apple hopes to break the cycle on inevitable e-waste production, and from the looks of it, they’ve made considerable grounds.

If you’re looking to buy a MacBook Pro, check out their Computer Reuse and Recycle program, where the company provides a gift card based on your computers market value.

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