We have a big responsibility to leave a smaller footprint.

We believe climate change is real. And that it’s a real problem. As a global company that makes some of the most popular products in the world, we know we use a lot of energy and material, which in turn generates greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. That’s the part of the problem we can help solve. We’ve found ways to use energy and materials more efficiently in our facilities, to get energy from cleaner sources, and to make some of the world’s most energy-efficient electronic products. We’re still the only company in our industry whose data centers are powered by 100 percent renewable energy and whose entire product line not only meets but far exceeds strict ENERGY STAR guidelines. And while we have a long way to go, our efforts are working — even though we’re manufacturing and shipping more products, our carbon emissions per product are dropping.
Learn more about how we’re reducing our impact on climate change
  • iMac
    1998
    35 watts
  • iMac
    2002
    8 watts
  • iMac
    2007
    4 watts
  • iMac
    2009
    2 watts
  • iMac
    Today
    0.9 watt

Today’s iMac uses 0.9 watt of electricity in sleep mode.
That’s 97 percent less than the first iMac.

Harmful toxins don’t belong in our products or our processes.

Many substances commonly used in the electronics industry can be harmful to people or the planet. So we design our products with cleaner, safer materials to reduce and eliminate these toxins. And we hold our suppliers accountable — we conduct factory audits, test components with independent laboratories, and verify the results in a lab we built at our headquarters in Cupertino. It’s our mission to make sure anyone who assembles, uses, and recycles an Apple product can do so safely.
Learn more about how we’re minimizing toxins

We use our planet’s resources responsibly and recycle them responsibly, too.

We have one planet with a finite amount of resources on it, and we have a responsibility to conserve those resources so future generations will have them, too. So our resource conservation starts right from the beginning — in the design stage. We create compact products that are more material efficient and last longer before they need to be replaced. And when there is remnant material, we look for opportunities to reuse that material so it doesn’t go to waste. Even the paper we use for our product packaging, iTunes Gift Cards, and iPhoto products includes recycled or recyclable materials. We work directly with paper mills to source paper from certified sustainably managed forests and controlled wood sources. And once an Apple product reaches the end of its life, we make it easy to recycle. Every Apple Retail Store will now take back Apple products for free, responsible recycling. We also hold special recycling events where we’ll even accept other companies’ products. We’re continually thinking of ways to make more innovative products without taking more from the environment.
Learn more about how we’re conserving resources

A worker at our partner recycling center in Roseville, California, safely dismantles obsolete hard drives.

Our Progress

For decades, we’ve been working to minimize the impact our company and our products have on the environment. It’s an ongoing effort, and we want to keep you posted on what we’re doing — from hosting worldwide recycling events to sourcing native and climate-change-variable trees for our new Apple Campus 2.
See what we’re up to