Now and then I get these words when talking to others about Apple Computers. I’m not going into the intricate details of why I choose Apple as the manufacturer of my personal computer, except for the fact that, apart from the other things I like about Apple, Apple as a corporation, is a fairly responsible manufacturer (at least based on my knowledge and research) - even though they only score average on the ECIS’ “ethiscore”. Take something as packaging and recycling: A few weeks ago, one of my colleagues got a new monitor for his PC. It came in three cardboard boxes. One for the monitor, one for the manual, one for the power chord. Talk about waste. So, yes, you pay for a lot of things by buying an Apple computer (including the ever-so debated ‘design’), but also for the fact that it takes more money to be a responsible manufacturer. And that not only goes for computers. Food, clothing, transport. Apart from environmental waste, you could indirectly support child labour or pollution-intensive manufacturing on the other side of the world. Are you checking up on what you actually are supporting by your purchases? Just a little? You could be in for a surprise.

And oh, did I mention that Microsoft supported the Repulican Party in the US with no less than $6.2 million in donations from 1999-2004, becoming the #2 supporter of the party? Let’s not talk about politics here, but about the policies of the current US government… And again, this not only goes for politics in the United States. You might as well support other causes you might not agree with… I think I need to be more aware, and thereby more responsible, not only for me and my surroundings, but also for the future in where my children/child are going to grow up. I can afford it at least.

On this day...

... in 2006: Street-wise
... in 2005: Post-it™
... in 2003: Understand me better