green.gif

If you understand the heading, I am impressed. Just a little recap; Greenpeace came out with an report, giving Nintendo negative marks on their conservation efforts. (Read HERE) In reaction to the report Nintendo comes out with there own statement, concerning the report. (Read HERE) Now Greepeace has released a statement regarding Nintendo’s Statement. Wow!! I glade we got that all cleared up. (Check The Jump)

Nintendo has yet to respond directly to us about their recent low ranking score. However several people have forwarded their PR response to customer queries. Here’s our response:

Nintendo: We were surprised by the content of the Greenpeace report, given that we take great care to comply with all relevant regulations on avoiding the use of dangerous materials, recycling, etc

We did give Nintendo the chance several times to address issues before the report was published. Therefore Nintendo should not have been surprised by the report having received it in advance.

We contacted the company by letter to their US, European and Japanese headquarters informing them of our guide, the criteria and that they could contact us with any questions, information or requests several months ago.

No response was received from Nintendo despite reminders. Before the ranking was published Nintendo received their ranking to correct or question anything we may have missed. No response was received.

Nintendo: For example, all Nintendo products supplied worldwide are designed to comply with relevant global standards.

The Greenpeace ranking criteria score companies on what they are doing beyond what is required by legislation. This is not a law enforcemen ranking Guide – we are looking for environmental excellence.

We expect all a company’s products to be compliant with the EU’s RoH (Restriction of Hazardous Substances in electronic products) Directive globally – as a minimum.

Nintendo: In order to certify that Nintendo products comply with standards for hazardous chemical substances, Nintendo has established the Green Procurement Standards, which require our component suppliers to certify that any parts they deliver do not include hazardous chemical substances, and ensure that Nintendo fully controls its products internally.

Green procurement standards are a start. However other companies publish their chemical policy to allow independent assessment by customers. If Nintendo has this policy it should include all chemicals of concern and be public about it to their suppliers and customers alike. Many other electronics companies have published their chemicals policy.

Nintendo: We are always actively looking at ways to continue to increase our environmental stewardship and hold this as a corporate priority worldwide.

Well we have made two simple suggestions already:

Commit to phase out the worst toxic chemicals

Implement a global recycling policy

Nintendo has yet to do either of these, unlike many other electronics companies.

Link