With the debut of Apple’s iPad, there was not much time before another manufacturer came onto the scene with a competing product. The Vizio VIA Tablet was recently unveiled at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show, and it impressed consumers with its 8-inch color touchscreen, 1 GHz processor, built-in Wi-Fi and front-facing camera. While these features go head-to-head with the Apple iPad, which device is more sustainable?
Vizio is taking action to do good for the planet by exceeding current Energy Star Guidelines by 50% and manufacturing mercury-free products. In addition, Vizio has partnered with Manufacturers Recycling Management Company (MRM) so it can properly dispose of and recycle e-waste. Consumers can either drop-off or mail back e-waste.
Some other efforts include Vizio’s online-only user manuals, which help reduce the company’s carbon footprint. With regards to packaging, Vizio uses vegetable-based inks and recycled cardboard boxes for some of its products, including HD TVs. Also, the foam packing has been replaced with “egg carton”-type packing for smaller TVs and possibly the tablet, too.
In addition, Apple uses lead-free, BFR-free, PVC-free and mercury-free materials and arsenic-free glass. The entire product line is void of common toxic materials.
Apple reduced the MacBook’s packaging by 53% over a four-year period, and the company follows Energy Star qualifications and is known for having the most energy-efficient desktop computer in the world (Mac Mini).
Who is more environmentally responsible? Although it’s hard to tell since Vizio doesn’t disclose a detailed picture of its eco-friendliness, Apple is committed to lessening its carbon footprint and operating sustainably.
Apple has shown improvement over the years and continues to become more efficient through innovation. The VIA Tablet is a cool new device, but the iPad has a 9.7-inch LED-backlit IPS display, 10 hours of battery life and environmental responsibility to boot.
Vizio’s greener methods
![vizio_tablet_smartphone](/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/vizio_tablet_smartphone.jpg)
Apple’s environmental footprint
Apple is more detailed in illustrating its carbon footprint. In 2009, the company produced 9.6 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. However, 3% of the carbon footprint is from its facilities, while 97% is from the product life cycle (this includes customer use to recycling). In 2010, Apple reduced carbon emissions significantly for each product it designed — there was a 50% reduction just for the 160 GB iPod classic.![ipad](/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/ipad.jpg)