Dell's new eco bait and switch: the Plant a Tree for Me program

Like so many others in the industry, Dell, the nation's largest retailer of one of the world's most eco-unfriendly products, computers, could stand to take some really positive steps in going green. While we appreciate their participation in The Green Grid and that recycling program they have set up, we'd still like to see them moving to ensure their manufacturing and materials are sustainable, envirofriendly, and carbon neutral. Unfortunately, they've once again sidestepped the issue with this latest leaf-on-a-hook we just caught wind of: the Dell Plant a Tree for Me program. Basically Dell's partnered with The Conservation Fund and Carbonfund.org to help donate money -- your money -- to the worthy causes. What that means is the next time you check out at Dell, you'll be presented with the option to cough up some cash -- a hundred bones is supposedly enough to make your purchase carbon neutral. (Note: even though the program was announced this January, even when we tried a few times we weren't presented with the option.)

Nope, Dell's not going to match all (or any) of your contribution, nor are they going to knock down your price or even cut the tax on your purchase. They're just making it easier to clear your conscience when buying from them -- but those who want a clear conscience without taking Dell's bait can always just hit up either charity directly: The Conservation Fund, Carbonfund.org.

[Thanks, Wilt J]

[michael @ Mar 14th 2007 2:34AM]

Too bad Apple doesn't do this. Oh wait. Apple is so greedy with it's cash, since it overcharges their products and services. And goes straight into Job's pockets. I even read an article, where one of the most un-ecofriendly tech companies was Apple. I hope Dell's initiative get's Apple and other PC companies rolling.

[Ryan @ Mar 14th 2007 2:47AM]

An article by what group, exactly? Oh, Greenpeace?

Right . . . the same folk that STAGED the seal clubbings, fabricated chlorine birth-defect data and whose founder has publicly described the group as insane. Stop trolling engadget and get a life.

[CarbonBasedLifeForm @ Mar 14th 2007 3:40AM]

All serious greenies should go carbon neutral. In fact, if you want I will even pay for it - simply post your address here and I will send you some cyanide pills that should do the job nicely. Idiots.

[stitifier @ Mar 14th 2007 3:58AM]

I went carbon neutral, and I feel good about it. Put that in your pipe and smoke it. Not sure what gives with the hostility, but maybe you need to punch a wall or something.

Anyway, this Dell initiative is beyond retarded. They would get the same effect by placing a popup ad in the customer checkout page with a link to a carbon offsets site. In fact, come to think of it, this is pretty much all this is. I'm not sure why Engadget would even glorify it with a post, except to make fun of it (which, thankfully, y'all did).

[Elk @ Mar 14th 2007 3:54AM]

Everyone loves pointing the finger on the environmentally friendly issue. If you are so concerned about being carbon neutral, then it is your responsibility to be so and you should pay to be so yourself. Protecting the environment is actually not a very cheap undertaking, and if even one tenth of the people who consider it a serious cause were willing to make any sacrifice themselves, maybe something could get done.

[LS @ Mar 14th 2007 5:18AM]

or www.tree-nation.com, or many other tree planting schemes going on at the moment.

does anyone else think this whole conservation thing is just a political show for those in control to get even more control (and squeeze more money out of people for the goods they already for whilst they're at it)?

[Cast @ Mar 14th 2007 7:44AM]

I saw another company going carbon neutral, they had the first UK carbon neural PC, but they don't charge to plant a tree, plus I think they gave you some advice as well to help off-set your carbon footprint.

http://kudos-systems.org.uk/Kudos%20Responsible%20computing.htm

[Roberto @ Mar 14th 2007 8:41AM]

If only Dell would raise prices by $100 in all their computers and give that to greenfund. That would make more sense that giving people the option of making their purchase carbon neutral.

[Laurie @ Mar 14th 2007 9:41AM]

It's nice and all that Dell is trying to jump on the environmentally-friendly bandwagon, but this is clearly the wrong approach. People who are genuinely concerned about the environment will do so in their own ways...I'm more impressed with companies that will pay to recycle your old products. When I purchased a new computer from Apple a few months ago they emailed me a voucher to send my old computer to an Apple recycling facility, free of charge. That's taking initiative!

[JTM @ Mar 14th 2007 10:08AM]

Sorry to go off topic and actually think for myself but I don't buy the whole carbon neutral thing. For those who think Carbon Dioxide drives global climate change, please see the following documentary which should provide some insight:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4520665474899458831

Who would have ever thought the biggest factor on global temperature change is actually THE SUN. No, it can't be true, that's way too simple an explanation. Well guess what, there is no scientific consensus on global warming and if we have to take sides, I suggest you blame the sun.

[Ryan Waddell @ Mar 14th 2007 10:10AM]

I just bought a laptop off Dell Ireland last week, and wasn't provided with this option. Not that I would have taken it, but just to verify that it ain't showing up here right now.

[DJ @ Mar 14th 2007 10:11AM]

Hmmm, if the tree that was planted is then cut down to make the box that your Dell comes in, is your purchase still carbon neutral?

The entire "Carbon Neutral" concept is the biggest fricking scam of the century. AlGore claimns he can live in the 22,000 square foot house, fly coast to coast to coast to coast on his private jet, but be carbon neutral because he gives money to an organization (which he owns and runs) that promotes a "Green Lifestyle". The only thing green about is the money he makes from it.

[Dolf @ Mar 14th 2007 10:16AM]

I don't even need to comment since JTM and Laurie said it so well.

[Charlie @ Mar 14th 2007 10:34AM]

Let me get thsi straight... You want your computers to be carbon free, but you don't want to pay for it? Typical.

[Ping Wang @ Mar 14th 2007 10:52AM]

JTM, THERE IS NO DEBATE ON GLOBAL WARMING

ask any Earth or atmospheric scientist, they're going to tell you, global warming is happening.

CO2 is not a source of heat. It just acts as a blanket that traps the sun's heat. If you were covered in blankets, wouldn't you get hot? Well, adding more C02, methane, and other greenhouse gasses is like wrapping blankets around the Earth.

you may wonder, what's wrong with a little extra warmth?
1. Global Warming makes strong storms stronger
2. Global Warming makes long droughts longer
3. Global Warming will cause ocean levels to rise

[just @ Mar 14th 2007 11:24AM]

Hey Ping, if you just watched Inconvenient Truth, you need to be de-programmed. What a lot of people are talking about in these comments (which I'm happy to see) is that Global Warming/Global Climate Change is a HOAX. It is another tool for big corporations, and big government to justify their inhumane and UNCONSTITUTIONAL actions. Do some REAL research on the subject instead of accepting what's fed to you on MTV, CNN, or FOX. Look for the information that is being suppressed. Ask yourself, Have you done any due diligence on your facts, or are you just BLINDLY trusting?

The bellicose denouncement of global warming skeptics (that is skeptics of the man-made explanation) and their tarring as being akin to holocaust deniers , is beginning to mirror what happened after 9/11, when anyone who criticized Bush's agenda was lambasted as a traitor, a terrorist sympathizer, and completely divorced from the political mainstream.

Simply evoking the menace of global warming has become the government's justification to do anything!

So many people are waking up to the truth, even the puppets are getting mouthy. Think for yourself. Not anti-MSM, or pro-my-wing. Just think about the information you have. Use your best judgement and common sense. I think we'd all agree there are a lot of lies and half-truths around on all sides, right? When you are honest with yourself first, it'll be easier to see them.

Something IS NOT RIGHT when everyone is afraid to speak out about their OWN government. That is NOT a democracy people! Think about it. What do we call leaders who lock up anyone who voices opposition, or spreads the truth?

This country is supposed to be run by the people. That is EVERY American. Not just red states, or blue states, or black SUVs. We need to take this country back from those who would divide us. The irony is, there is a divide, but not the one in the media. It's the one in the back of everyone's mind (in the front for many).

Rich or poor.

Don't get it twisted, you're not safe unless you're ULTRA rich nowadays. We're talking top 3 percent here. Billionaires are becoming so prevalent now it seems like an outbreak (See Forbes Magazine richest list and count them, those are just the public ones). Carlos Slim is set to pass Bill Gates and Warren Buffet by next year! (Wiki him) Meanwhile, his country (our new buddy, Mexico) is filled with ultra-poverty!

Fact is, we don't hear ANYTHING about a LOT of important news from around the world, and even from our own nation. I hear nothing about the international talks between the U.S.A., Canada and Mexico under the SPP/NAFTA/North American Union. Yet, I can easily find a detailed description of Britney Spears' fucked up trailer-park drama of a life!

Influenced Media: All I want is truth. TRUTH. TRUTH!!! We trusted you! Damnit!

People: ASK QUESTIONS! SPEAK OUT! DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH!

[Bryant at Dell @ Mar 14th 2007 11:02AM]

Hello - I work at Dell on environment issues and saw this post and comments so wanted to weigh in on the discussion. There are a lot of comments on different areas of Dell's enviornment programs so I'll try to cover everything here.

First a couple of clarifications - the program was announced in the US in January for consumers buying a new computer, it was expanded a few weeks ago so that any consumer can take advantage of it (the difference has to do with how our online store operates). The program offers consumers the chance to offset, through tree-planting programs, the carbon effects of either electricity used to power their computers (cost is $2 for a notebook or $6 for a notebook), or, if someone wishes, to offset the average carbon impact of one year of the average U.S. consumer lifestyle ($99). It is purely optional for customers of course and absolutely someone could make the donation to the funds directly. Dell has invested in the development of the program, passes 100 % of donations received to the Fund parters, and believes this is one thing that can help raise consumer awareness about issues of protecting our climate.

In no way is this intended to be Dell's only environment program and/or a way to not meet our othre environment commitments. Plant a Tree for Me was developed to offer consumers who want to take a step to protect the environment an easy way to do so and make them aware of carbon impacts and the work of groups like Conservation Fund and Carbonfund.org.

Dell is committed to reducing our own environmental impact and has taken some big steps in that direction. Our products are designed under a chemical use policy that eliminates the use of environmentally-sensitive materials ahead of legal requirements. Our own facilities are very low emission, we report on those in our annual sustainability report, and we're currently working with a group of leading NGOs addressing climate issues to help us set agressive targets to reduce those further. We have committed to designing the most energy-efficient products for customers, and we're the only ones in the industry providing consumers worldwide free recycling of any of our products to ensure they are properly recycled. I'd invite you to visit dell.com/earth to get a broad view of our commitments and programs.

I hope this helps address some of the questions raised and I look forward to any more questions or comments on this program or our efforts - thanks, Bryant

[just @ Mar 14th 2007 11:28AM]

BTW.. I am still all for "cleaner" energy. Because it will be cheaper, more efficient, and clean, as opposed to burning fossil fuels. Just not under the "Global Warming" banner.

[bigoilnemisis @ Apr 10th 2007 11:31AM]

well said i agree 100% with all your comments. Climate change is a bait and switch , keeps researchers heads full (and pockets) with data, and controversy. While the black suv's kill us all with cancer. Cancer is their real weapon of mass destruction, coupled with expensive drugs, and hospital stays (and certain death).

[Chris @ Mar 14th 2007 11:37AM]

I own numerous DELL systems and love their service... (for over 7 years)

However, I am disenchanted by this obvious greenwashing attempt at capitalizing on the Eco-Boom. (Plant, hugg a tree etc...)

Dell needs to stay "focused" on what they are good at to be "greener".

Example: "dell" could offer customer BIO's updates on all systems using "speed-step" and turn off un-needed home PC hardware on the 200 million Dell PC's lacking basic sleep or hibernation modes...

EFFECTIVE - programs like this by Dell could reduce massive amounts of both energy consumption and CO2.

They need to focus on how their strengths that can help them and the public... this will surpass the "green wave" and is sustainable.

And leave the tree planting & donations to sierra & GreePeace as that is what they are good at.

Dell IS doing a admirable job at their "Eco efforts", but needs to take the higher ground warm and fuzzy "eco-campaigns of the week".

I understand this may go against the current marketing model of "users self important, feel good" purchases. But, it will make me and other long term DELL owners look back at this in another 7 years and say, "Dell really did make a difference on the environment".

Hey, but what do I know... I don't work at Dell.

Thanks,

Chris

[Bryant at Dell @ Mar 14th 2007 1:28PM]

thanks for the positive comments Chris. To some of your points - we are absolutely committed to our own efforts that make a difference, Plant a Tree is only one option offered to consumers who want to address carbon impacts.

We can for example, have a much bigger impact by making our products more energy efficient - thereby using less electricity and resulting emissions in the first place. Our latest generation of business desktop computers is up to 70% more efficient than the last and we'll keep rolling those improvements across other product lines.

We are shipping most all of our products "sleep state enabled" to your point - to put into standby mode after 15 minutes of inactivity - we can all have dramatic power savings through this - but a lot remains to be done in this area - we need to make sure those settings work with OS, peripherals and software easily and reliably and we're working on that both in our own design and with partners.

Thanks again for the positive comments and please know we are focused on efforts that will make real progress. In addition to the earth site, you can find deeper information on dell.com/environment if you are interested.

[Chris @ Mar 14th 2007 3:24PM]

Bryant,

Frankly I am tired of seeing both "PC & MAC" leaders taking it on the chin for eco-damages caused by wasteful consumers.

Millions of these same consumers go through daily lives throwing batteries, aerosols, hazardous waste and yes, computers in the trash everyday without a thought of the environmental consequences or shear wastefulness. If Dell, MAC, IBM or any U.S. company did this with their waste they would most likely serve jail time from the EPA...

Ultimately, the consumer SHOULD be accountable for their energy and post consumer waste... However, we work in a reality where individual consumer wastefulness is ignored and manufactures are held accountable by the media to carry the burden and responsibility of leading environmental change.

I have worked with the most regulated industries, trade groups, and advocate agencies on "post consumer" regulations and stewardship programs... In the last decade we have made HUGE leaps with government, industry and municipalities in eliminating "pre and post" consumer hazardous waste influences on our environment.

These programs have been the most successful through manufacturing staying "focused" on incorporating "greener" chemistry, raw materials and components that are recyclable or easily returned for deposit before the consumer buys a new environmental problem (3R's).

Clearly, you know how many trees can be killed by one consumer throwing their laptop battery in a field... and having a "deposit & return" post consumer stewardship program sells me harder than "carbon offsets, and planting a tree for me" eco-marketing.

Hey, but what do I know ;-)


Thanks for the quick response & involvement in this post.



Chris
-------------------------------------------------
Link to this thread posted at: christopherHaase.com/blogI originally heard it from hugg.com

[strider_mt2k @ Mar 14th 2007 11:46AM]

Couldn't Dell reduce carbon by simply making computers that won't end up in a landfill so early?

[deepali @ Mar 14th 2007 12:06PM]

I love these people who claim that global climate change is a hoax. Who are you idiots. The science is clear (and clearly most of you are not scientists) on this issue.

As for Dell - hey, it's better than nothing, no? Though I do agree that perhaps there are better way to go about: post-consumer recycled boxes, computers that last longer, easy recycling programs, more "eco-friendly" parts, etc.

[JTM @ Mar 14th 2007 12:36PM]

I think most people agree that the earth's temperature is changing. In fact, the earth's temperature has gone through heating and cooling cycles as far back as we can measure. It's completely natural. What people disagree on is why it's getting warmer now. Some environmentalists say it's man-made CO2. Some scientists say the facts don't fit that conclusion. Watch the video I linked to earlier and decide for yourself. From the scientific information I have seen, I can not believe man-made CO2 is driving global climate change.

And please, if you are going to offer any arguments, please see if you can refute the data in the documentary I linked to earlier. It was designed to answer the questions raised by Al Gore's recent film and does an excellent job of presenting all the facts.

[Scott @ Mar 14th 2007 12:31PM]

I was reading in Pop-Sci magazine that Travelocity and Expedia are charging between $10-17 to go carbon nuetral.... on a coast to coast flight. So I'm wondering where the scam is. Does a nearly carbon free computer really cost $100 to nuetralize? Are planes suddenly fueled by bio-diesel? Somone is ripping their customers off. If it isn't Dell (just trying to save face), then it's the tree-hugging charities. I'm inclined to believe it's both.

[Daniel @ Mar 14th 2007 12:39PM]

Like several other commenters here, I don't see this as something to take seriously. Sure, making it easier (but not much) to buy "carbon offsets" with your Dell PC is worth making fun of. But I think it's just as worthwhile to make fun of it when Al Gore does it, as a way to salve his conscience for his high-on-the-hog lifestyle.

On the subject of global warming, I'm agnostic. I have not seen evidence to convince me conclusively that (a) global warming IS happening and that (b) it's all humanity's fault. Nor have I seen convincing proof that we don't need to worry about it. (Even if, as Arthur Clarke once pointed out, humanity's CO2 output can still be dwarfed by a small volcanic eruption, that doesn't mean we shouldn't take it seriously.)

I do object, however, to people insisting that the debate is over. In science -- which this is supposed to be -- debate is NEVER over, about ANYTHING. (Physicists are still trying to disprove Special Relativity, a century later, if for no other reason than that success would give them a nearly-automatic Nobel Prize. The debate about evolution's fine points still rages, a century and a half after Darwin. And so on.)

Heads-up to Global Warming True Believers: if you want me on board, persuade me on the merits of the case. Don't tell me that dissenting opinions will not be heard; that's not science, that's authoritarianism.

As for "carbon offsets", I have yet to see any evidence for them as anything but a way to salve rich people's consciences. (As such, they're the modern equivalent of the Catholic Church selling indulgences in the Middle Ages -- which was eventually shut down for the racket that it was.)

If there's not even as much evidence for carbon offsets as there is for human-created global warming, then why, precisely, should I take carbon offsets seriously? Show me that they accomplish something first. (Actual numbers, please, not intuitive arm-waving appeals to how wonderful trees are. That's not science.) Then convince me that the money I spend on carbon offsets isn't actually lining someone's pocket.

BTW, I've had great success with Dell. I've also been happy with some of Dell's competitors (Gateway, Sony, etc.). If Dell thinks that "green" certificates will inspire brand loyalty in me, sorry, they won't.

cheers,
Daniel

[The Big Fudge @ Mar 14th 2007 1:19PM]

Wow, I came here to read about gagdets and stumbled upon the Paranoid Moron Club. Very entertaining. Dance for me, monkeys.

[Chris @ Mar 16th 2007 9:30AM]

Bryant, thanks for listening to blogger rants on this post.

Also, This is the kind of sustainable e-program I was referring to:
Toshiba announced that it has enhanced its recycling initiatives with a free computer take-back program. The company also announced it has joined the Green Electronics Council's Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) by registering select notebook models with EPEAT, extending Toshiba's commitment to the environment. Toshiba will recycle its notebook computers for free with no obligation by the consumer to purchase a new Toshiba computer. Non-Toshiba notebook computers will be recycled for a small shipping fee. Linked here (Source: RTO Online)

Also "hugged" here today...
http://www.hugg.com/user/EHSDirector/history/

[Bryant at Dell @ Mar 14th 2007 1:32PM]

Thanks Scott - just to be clear, it is not $100 to offset the carbon impact of a computer's operation. It is $2 for a notebook, $6 for a desktop. That is calculated based on average energy use over a three-year span and the converted into the carbon impact of that electricity. Dell passes 100 percent of donations received to the Conservation Fund and to Carbonfund.org.

[Bryant at Dell @ Mar 14th 2007 1:51PM]

Thanks Scott - just to be clear, it is not $100 to offset the carbon impact of a computer's operation. It is $2 for a notebook, $6 for a desktop. That is calculated based on average energy use over a three-year span and the converted into the carbon impact of that electricity. Dell passes 100 percent of donations received to the Conservation Fund and to Carbonfund.org.

[Eric Carlson @ Mar 14th 2007 2:10PM]

I am with Carbonfund.org, one of the partners with Dell on the "Plant a Tree for Me" program. As an environmental organization focussed on fighting climate change we see the Dell program as an important part of the solution.

Anyone concerned with climate change recognizes we are all part of the problem and we all must be part of the solution. This means reducing what you can and offsetting the rest.

The first step is to reduce. Individual and businesses need to take pro-active steps to reduce CO2 emissions. Dell has and continues to do this with their recycling, green power purchases and making their manufacturing processes and computers more energy efficient. This is an ongoing process but I have been impressed with their programs to date and plans for the future.

However, unless you plan to live without a computer, whether at home or work, or other energy consuming items like your home, car (even the food we eat and clothes we buy have been made using a lot of energy) we all still emit CO2.

Basically, for the energy you do consume, you can either offset it and be part of the solution, or not. Dell, and hundreds of other companies, are making changes internally and empowering consumers to be part of the solution.

We also must look at the big picture. Carbon offsets are driving the market toward more cost effective green technology and solutions. The ultimate goal is to help make renewable energy cost less than coal, or tree planting more cost effective to help soak up the CO2 that has gone into the atmosphere the last 50 years (and that renewables and energy efficiency do not address).

Dell has a number of excellent environmental programs and should be applauded for offering one more that empowers people to do their part. Corporate environmental leadership is rare enough that we ought to support pro-active companies. My hope is that one day companies compete not just on products and services but on environmental protection programs. That would be a great day for all of us.

Many thanks,
Eric Carlson

[Kyle @ Mar 14th 2007 2:11PM]

I got it when I was configuring my XPS 410. It was only asking for $6 and free computer recycle. I just skipped it. Not worth it to me. Maybe if they gave me money off.

[James @ Mar 14th 2007 2:32PM]

First, a hearty "ZING" for Strider, with whom I agree strongly. I have had (1) dead PDA, and (2) dead laptops, one of which died twice (and the second motherboard died shortly thereafter, though this time it was my fault). I still like the design of most of their systems, but to me it's like buying a Ford instead of a Toyota: you're getting a cheaper product that almost definitely won't last as long.

As for Global Warming, I'm saddened to see it becoming a religious debate. I just want to understand the science behind it, but every Greenie you come across just says something like deepali ("THE SCIENCE IS CLEAR ON THIS ISSUE"), when clearly it is not:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Global_warming_skeptics
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_warming_controversy
I'm trying not to pick a side, but it's hard to come to any conflict and side with the screeching-zealot party. The fact of the matter is that those who wish to convince us that the sky is falling tend to appeal to emotion (*in my experience*), while the opposite side tends to appeal to reason, and I side with reason pretty much every time. If someone can support the pro-AGW (anthropogenic global warming) side's bullet points a bit more thoroughly, or actually attempt to discredit the anti-AGW side's points, I'd be thrilled to listen, but more often than not it devolves to scare-mongering and calls to radical action with little prospect for real-life effectiveness (like Kyoto).

[just @ Mar 14th 2007 3:25PM]

deepali, know how I know you're either a NARC or a sheep? You said Global Climate Change. How often did you hear people use that phrase as opposed to "Global Warming" before the Puppe--President said it in the State of the Union? I never heard the term before then, but now it seems to be gaining if not surpassing in usage.

I'm with Daniel and James on the issue. BUT I myself feel that I have read more conclusive evidence in favor of the Global Warming trends being NOT caused by CO2. That's not to say I wasn't duped like everyone else. I can say one thing though, watching an Inconvenient Truth was one of the things that inspired me to be active in my government and society, and to QUESTION the official story. You DON'T HAVE TO TAKE MY WORD FOR IT. There are tons of evidence out there.

Here are a couple of places you can find a DIFFERENT VIEWPOINT. If you read this and don't want to even entertain another side of an argument, you should ask yourself what the definition of mind control is. These websites are BOTH run by men who have been trying to tell people the truth for a long time. Both have had legal recourse taken against them for speaking out. There are some articles right now about the climate issue on both of these pages:

http://www.larouchepub.com/

[just @ Mar 14th 2007 3:26PM]

oops.. here are the links:

http://www.larouchepub.com/ -- run by Lyndon H Larouche Jr. (National Security Council calls EIR "one of the best private intelligence services in the world")

http://www.infowars.com/ -- run by Alex Jones (Austin, TX Radio&TV host who predicted and called on everyone to try to stop the attacks on 9/11/01 on 06/15/01!)

[ProjectGSX @ Mar 14th 2007 6:30PM]

No good deed goes unpunished. WTG engadget. Try throwing stones on one of these computer companies that is *not* making an effort.

[Chris @ Mar 15th 2007 2:12PM]

Positive example of a good "E-carbon" effort by VIA

VIA Shows How Clean Computing Can Halve Power Use with power efficient and carbon free processor platforms enable up to 50% power saving in computing devices for institutions and businesses...
booth 1030.

The environment-conscious PCs, thin clients, storage and ultra mobile partner products on display are designed to enable organizations to minimize their carbon footprint as well as make real dollar savings on electricity costs. Thanks to VIA's ultra power efficient processor platforms, consumers can benefit from
• 50% more energy efficient desktop computing platforms • 50% increased battery life in ultra mobile devices • Thin clients representing 90% energy saving on substitute desktop products

Full read here:
http://www.ewire.com/display.cfm/Wire_ID/3742


Dell, HP & VIA... keep up the effort! The environment is worth it.

Chris

[Chris @ Mar 16th 2007 1:14PM]

WOW - It is as if the stars aligned for me today....
The tool I suggested, is now available for me to load on my Dell's!

Woohooo!
http://www.localcooling.com/

[Keith R @ Mar 17th 2007 5:45PM]

Bryant at Dell, you said in one of your prior comments:
"and we're the only ones in the industry providing consumers worldwide free recycling of any of our products"

Actually, that is NOT true, as I just wrote about in The Temas Blog. The recycling program is NOT worldwide yet, according to information on Dell's own website. In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), the program currently only covers 2 (Brazil, Mexico) out of over 30 countries, and even then only the "consumer" side (only about 15% of Dell sales in those countries), but not institutional (business, or "asset recovery" as Dell likes to call it), their overwhelming majority market.

I'm glad Dell is doing even that, but by no stretch of the imagination is that "global" or "worldwide" as Dell keeps saying. And I am not talking just about your statement -- I can point you to many Dell press releases using the exact same misleading phraseology.

Dell states on its website that it plans to extend the "asset recovery" side to Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru & Venezuela at some unspecified time later this year, but not to the consumer side. All the rest of LAC is left to "will be assessed upon request."

Now, why is this?

Please don't tell me it is difficult logistics, transport networks, etc -- I cover LAC for a living, and am pretty familiar with the electronics and components industries, and I won't buy that excuse. If Dell can handle the reverse logistics in Namibia, Cambodia, Nigeria and South Africa, it can certainly handle Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Central America, Dominican Republic, etc.

And given the number of Dell centers in the region, the manufacturing facility in Brazil, the growing number of sales there, and the growing number of licensed electronic recyclers (such as Recycla in Chile), I am truly puzzled why Dell is happily recycling its products in Europe, North America, and huge chunks of the Middle East, Asia and Africa, but only 2 countries in LAC.

When Dell announced in December that their recycling program was now "global" and "worldwide", I took them at their word. I still hope that they will make good on that commitment (Dell's term, not mine), and do so this year. Until then, though, Dell should stop claiming "global" or "worldwide" or "around the world." Better to be straight with the public, and say "we now offer recycling in ___ out of the ___ countries in which Dell sells, but plan to add the rest by ___ date."

Regards,
Keith R