With all the Apple products in the world, packaging impacts can really add up. Since Apple recently announced all of its U.S. facilities are run on 100 percent renewable energy, you won’t be surprised to hear of their latest initiative, an effort with The Conservation Fund.
On April 16, Apple announced through a blog post on Medium that they had purchased two tracts of forest land—one in Maine and one in North Carolina—that will be managed by The Conservation Fund. Not only will Apple be working to harvest natural fibers more sustainably, but it’s also saving this land— combined, it’s 2.5 times the size of Manhattan . According to BuzzFeed News, these forests are part of the estimated 45 million acres of private forest land that is in danger of being lost to development.
Apple won’t just be using the tree pulp for itself; other companies will have the ability to harvest from them as well. The land, which will be managed by The Conservation Fund, will operate as a “working forest” model, which is more sustainable than clear-cutting.
In addition to working on its impact when it comes to paper, Associated Press reports that the company is also working to improve the sustainability practices of its overseas operations. Apple’s vice president for environmental initiatives, Lisa Jackson , said, “When you talk about China, you’re talking about manufacturing partners. We’re looking to bring the same innovation there. This is the start.”
Apple is working on a solar project that will provide more than enough energy for Apple’s 19 corporate offices and 21 retail stores in China and Hong Kong, according to Jackson. The project has a capacity for 40 megawatts. Apple is currently pursuing rights to have half of the output of a 280-watt plant planned to go in near Apple’s Cupertino headquarters.
However, in foreign countries, Apple does have many contract manufacturers and the project wouldn’t cover the substantial amount of energy they consume. But for now, Apple says it wants to be sure it focuses on improving energy sustainability in the right way before it expands outward.
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