Greenpeace Tags HP Building Over Computer Chemical Concerns

July 29, 2009

Email this story Print this post Add your comments

Greenpeace, showing the kind of embarrassment it can cause a corporation it puts in its sights, painted giant letters spelling out “Hazardous Products” on the rooftop of HP’s headquarters.

The July 28 protest, carried out in non-toxic children’s finger paint, came as a result of HP delaying until 2011 the phaseout of toxic chemicals, including polyvinyl chloride and brominated flame retardants, from its computer equipment. The company had recently backtracked from a promise to cease using the chemicals in 2009, saying that it did not have a suitable replacement for the chemicals.

Greenpeace put the letters, which spanned over 11,500 square feet or about two-and-a-half basketball courts, atop HP’s Palo Alto, Calif., headquarters.

HP shot back that, “The unconstructive antics at HP’s headquarters today did nothing to advance the goals that all who care about the environment share,” according to BusinessWeek.

On the Greenpeace USA blog, a writer opined: “Greenpeace is tired of hearing excuses from HP. … If Apple can produce electronics that are virtually free of PVC and completely BFR-free — what is the hold-up for HP?”

The protest hearkens back to a 2005 protest, in which Greenpeace activists protested at HP’s headquarters over the same computer chemicals, floating a small blimp that read, “HP: Harmful Products.”

In this most recent protest, Greenpeace even elicited the help of William Shatner, who recorded a message to be sent in a series of robocalls to HP staffers.

In Greenpeace’s latest Guide to Greener Electronics, released in early July, HP ranked 14th out of 18 electronics makers in terms of commitment to reducing harmful chemicals from electronics.

HP reportedly will begin selling a notebook free of BFRs and PVC later this year.

Email this story Print this post Add your comments

Advertisers

Make sustainability part of your strategy.

Get equipped at the SAP Sustainability Resource Center. >>

Unclear about the EPA's new GHG Rule?

Learn how it could affect your business. >>

EPA mandatory emissions reporting starts Jan 1st

CSA Standards can help your organization get ready for compliance. Find out how. >>

Survey Results: Product Environmental Compliance Best Practices

How to achieve compliance at a significantly lower cost. Download the full report. >>

Join the Discussion

Reader Comments

While you may not agree with Greenpeace’s message or tactics, you have to concede the fact that they are able to bring attention to their cause. Who knows, maybe this publicity will effectively “force” HP to phase out their toxic chemicals sooner than later.

Penny Smith | August 11th, 2009

Recent Daily News [ see all ]

11/20/2009
11/19/2009
11/18/2009

Charts [ see all ]

European Paper Industry Cuts CO2 Emissions by 42% since 1990

S. America Takes Most Urgent View of Copenhagen Talks

Nike Tops Annual Climate Action Scores

Oceans May Trap more Carbon than Forests

Jobs

View All Jobs >> Post a Job >>

Comments and Discussions

Trade Association on Trade Group on EPA Chemical Regs: ‘If Everything is a Priority, Then Nothing is a Priority’
"Seriously… that..."

Gary Markowitz on Supermarkets Tackle Emissions Reductions, Fuel Efficiency
"Supermarkets waste over 10 percent of their energy through improper..."

peter in ireland on Ontario May Follow California’s Lead on TV Energy Efficiency
"Governor Schwarzenegger is shooting himself in the foot! 1...."

Environmental Leader on S. America Takes Most Urgent View of Copenhagen Talks
"The survey respondents (the PDF report mentions 4,000 respondents in 38..."

Jake on UPS Trying New Hydraulic Hybrid Trucks
"A point of clarification: the Reuters press release referenced herein reports that 20 UPS will purchase..."

Custom Organic Shirts on S. America Takes Most Urgent View of Copenhagen Talks
"90% of North Americans believe it is urgent to get a global climate..."

peter dublin on California City’s Green Building Ordinance Applies to Commercial Buildings
"Why energy efficiebnt regulation on buildings –..."

Environmental Leader