Computer giant Apple prides itself on being energy efficient and having a small carbon footprint, so when a Surrey woman contacted CTV questioning the company's shipping policy we decided to check it out.
Annette Matthews ordered an iPad cover from Apple Canada's online site. She was happy to get the product, but horrified to see how far it had travelled.
The case began its global journey in Shenzhen, China. From there it was off to Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong. The next stop was Anchorage, Alaska, then on to Louisville, Kentucky and Buffalo, New York. The travelling iPad case then headed north to Mount Hope, Ontario, then west to Manitoba, stopping briefly in Winnipeg before carrying on to Richmond, B.C. and its final destination at Annacis Island. In five days the case travelled 17,754 kilometres.
"I'm a little horrified that this free shipping is coming from China, via planes, trains and automobiles. That doesn't sound environmentally responsible to me. Come on, you can do better than this," said Matthews.
Matthews fired off an email to Apple questioning its much hyped commitment to the environment. Apple has a comprehensive environmental policy, paying close attention to its total carbon footprint. When asked to explain it's shipping strategy it released this statement:
"Only five per cent of Apple's greenhouse gas emissions are a result of transporting our products from assembly locations and distribution hubs in regions where our products are sold."
CTV consumer reporter Lynda Steele showed Matthews's tracking slip to the Fraser Basin Council, a group committed to environmental sustainability.
"We've got to take responsibility for our purchasing decisions as this lady has done. First question is do you really need to buy this product in the first place? Perhaps you can find it somewhere else -- you can find it locally, perhaps in a slightly used form?" said Bob Purdy of the Fraser Basin Council.
Matthews says she never would have bought the iPad cover had she known how far it would have to travel. She wants Apple to open distribution centres in North America.
She also points out that Apple is trumpeting the fact its profits are up 125 per cent, which translates into a $7 billion profit for the third quarter ending June of 2011. Matthews says surely the company can afford to spend a little of that money building a few North American distribution warehouses. In fact, she's even offering to rent out space in her garage.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Lynda Steele
