Greenpeace wars with HP

(Credit: Greenpeace)

Editors' note: This article was updated at 2:50 p.m. PDT with HP's statement.

It's war on hazardous chemicals that Greenpeace single-handedly provoked Tuesday.

After rating Hewlett-Packard low on its Green Meter did little to convince the company to change its ways, the organization decided to resort to trespassing.

It sent activists to HP's global headquarters in Palo Alto, Calif., where they climbed on top of the building and painted a gigantic message announcing "Hazardous Products," using nontoxic children's finger paint. The message covered more than 11,500 square feet, which is about the size of two and half basketball courts.

According to Greenpeace, the organization took this action because HP broke its promise to eliminate hazardous chemicals in its products. Earlier this year, HP postponed its 2007 commitment to phase out dangerous substances, such as brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics, from its computing products. The delay shifts compliance up two years, from 2009 to 2011.

PVC and BFRs are highly toxic, and can release dioxin when burned, a chemical known to cause cancer.

Apart from the graffiti, HP employees were also greeted today by automated phone calls from actor William Shatner, calling upon the company to phase out the toxic chemicals.

In reply to CNET News' phone call seeking comments on Greenpeace's action, HP released this statement via an e-mail:

For decades HP has been a leader in environmental responsibility and has adopted practices in product development, operations, and supply chain that are transparent and help to reduce its environmental impact. HP has a comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability, with three main components: minimizing our impact; helping our customers to improve their environmental performance; and driving towards a sustainable, low-carbon economy.

This commitment includes reducing the use of BFR/PVC in our products until these materials are eliminated entirely. HP has introduced several new computing products this year that use less BFR/PVC than previous generations. This September, HP will release a BFR/PVC free notebook. By fall 2010 all new commercial PC products released will be BFR/PVC free. By the end of 2011, all new PC products released will be free of BFR/PVCs.

The unconstructive antics at HP's headquarters today did nothing to advance the goals that all who care about the environment share. HP will continue its efforts to develop new products and programs around the globe that help the company, its business partners, and customers conserve energy, reduce materials use, and reduce waste through responsible reuse and recycling. HP supports industry efforts to eliminate BFR and PVC because of potential e-waste issues. HP is a worldwide leader in e-waste recycling. HP has recycled 1 billion pounds of electronic products from 1987 to 2007 and has committed to recycling another billion pounds between 2008 and 2011.

Earlier this year, Greenpeace released a report that rated PC makers and other electronic vendors in regard to their compliance with e-waste elimination. Apple was ranked highest among PC makers and HP was one of the lowest, together with Dell and Lenovo.

Obviously, it's very important to eliminate e-waste and care about the environment. However, it's also important to understand that putting graffiti on private properties is a type of vandalism. I guess Greenpeace doesn't care about this.

Looks like it's a war that nobody wins.

(Credit: Greenpeace)

[kkohnen]

Gee, I hope Greenpeace used non-hazardous soy-based paint for that graffiti!

[ngodong]

They actually used non-toxic children?s finger-paint

[thelemurking]

that must have taken a long time to paint that by finger ;)

[digital dude--2008]

Dang I'm old! I actually remember this structure when it was being build down the street from my office. Anyway, perception trumps everything else so maybe the company will make some improvements. Personally, I disagree with the tactic since its just a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or a building is destroyed.
Regards,

[Jack K1]

Greenpeace fingered HP on the roof? Huh?

[monkeyfun14]

Wow this is the problem with organizations.

"Hey! If you don't listen to what we tell you were going to vandalize your property"

What kind of crap is this I mean seriously.

Goto hell greenpeace.

[ikramerica--2008]

It's called bullying or terrorism. "You don't do what I say, i will hurt you." Apple complied, helping to raise the cost of Apple products. That gives HP an advantage, one they seem to be unwilling to let go during these economic slow times.

[SlimGem]

@ ikramerica--2008,

Actually, Apple's prices usually remain the same with upgraded features, or drop, as was recently done with their laptops. But regardless, I wish companies would press charges against these arrogant organizations for their acts of vandalism.

[solitare_pax]

Apple products usually stay at the same price point, even as they come out with new and better features, so switching to environmentally friendly materials made no difference. In fact, it lets Apple claim its computers are more environmentally friendly (the new Mac Mini is supposed to use the least amount of power of any PC).

It is a shame that HP didn't take the high road and switch so they could promote their products as "green" - but then, it took the antics of "Ronald McToxic" demostrators to force McDonalds to switch from styrofoam containers to cardboard containers for their meals - and I have not seen a significant rise in price (or quality) there since then.

[GreenTrillium]

In a way, companies that mass produce products containing known harmful chemicals are vandalizing all of our property. Those computers will eventually find their way to dumps, some of them illegal dump sites. The chemicals will get into the runoff rainwater and into local watersheds where all the local fish and animals will die as a result.

It's not just HP, we all need to think about the consequences of our materialistic ways. I don't advocate breaking the law, but I support what Greenpeace is trying to do.

[akuma_619]

Who takes these fringe organizations like Greenpeace or PETA seriously anymore. They are a bunch of whiny attention ******. Who try to force their ideology down your throat. Oh you want to score good on the Greenpeace's Green Meter. Or they like little children are going to vandalize your building. Like their little paint is going to affect the billion dollar company HP.

[olofer]

Before everyone gets way into bashing Greenpeace and all of that stop and think about the actual message TODAY that they were trying to relay.

HP uses hazardous products in their materials.

Companies such as Apple have been changing dramatically and are continuing to, leaving no reason that a competitor such as HP should not do the same. I mean who doesn't want these companies to be help accountable for these things? I'd hope we can all agree on that.

Realistically, there was no harm caused by this message being written, some of the ingredients in HP products are harmful to humans. Now let's make HP change!

[keith.r.benedict]

There's not real harm caused by most graffiti, that doesn't make it any less disgusting.

[Spartan_458]

You know what the REAL way to make them change is? Don't buy their products. Painting graffiti on their roof is just a way to **** them off. If you really want them to change, don't try to force ideologies down their throats. Just don't buy HP. It's as simple as that.

[celticbrewer]

Their message? HP products are toxic if you burn them. There goes my plans for setting my laptop on fire!

Green"peace" is becoming more and more like ELF and ALF.

[baumgarten19]

BTW Apple is 9th out of 17 on that list so they are not changing DRAMATICALLY

[HIcycles]

Like I've commented earlier, BREAKING THE LAW is not the appropriate way to address the situation, regardless of outcome.

[William Crow]

This increases the likelihood my next computer will be an HP.

[keith.r.benedict]

LOL. I'm reading this article on my 23" HP monitor.

I guess Greenpeace never learned that two wrongs don't make a right.

[keith.r.benedict]

Greenpeace's ire is misplaced. Why aren't they directing it toward a government that allows these chemicals?

[geezur]

Better still - what about the plastics manufacturers who produce the raw material. If they worked it out of thier product with minimal cost then HP would be able to accomodate it quicker. Maybe I'm mistaken - but I don't see Greenpeace going after Dupont. They're slightly better placed to deal with the vast ammount of PVC that goes into plastic pipes, outdoor furniture, siding, floor tiles, shower curtains, clamshell packaging, etc. . . . .

[DamonDMEC]

That is an excellent way to draw attention to the Greenpeace cause without resorting to terrorism. Good job.

[jclayton999]

I totally disagree. This is, however, an excellent way to turn public opinion against an otherwise worthwhile cause. Greenpeace should organize a boycott against manufacturers like HP who are doing the polluting and educate the public about the issue. As it is they look like children to most and, yes, terrorists to some.

Curious tho... Anyone know what kind of hardware their website is hosted on? I'll wager its not a Mac.

[tkonte]

Greenpeace = Nutjobs on par with global warming wacko's, reminiscent of world is flat crazy's

[bassoonbg]

Greenpeace does "pranks" like this because of the media attention it creates. They get us talking about toxicity in a computer manufacturer's products that we would not have thought much about before. Next time many of you purchase a computer, especially an HP, this article may at least cross your mind (no matter what your opinion of it is).

I applaud Greenpeace for using non-violent and non-destructive tactics to bring harmful environemental injustices to the public eye.

[HIcycles]

"non-destructive"? who pays to clean up the mess greenpeace left?

[greenfellow]

Well done Greenpeace! When corporations fail to live up to their commitments, we are glad you stand up for the truth. Since lawmakers in the US have failed to protect the poor children in China, Pakistan, and Ghana, concerned citizens must speak. If Apple can go green, why can't HP? Cnet should include links (so I will) to recent 60 Minutes and PBS/Frontline articles on the hellish conditions for the poor children and women at the end of this supply chain.

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4586903n

http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/ghana804/video/video_index.html


Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/techchron/detail?blogid=19&entry_id=44458#ixzz0McS87kRR

[celticbrewer]

I'd love to see how "green" apple's plants are in China. Maybe the end product is better for the environment- I wonder about the manufacturing process in a country where there aren't too many environmental laws.

[HIcycles]

Wow. What is our country turning in to? A place where it's ok to take matters in to our own hands and force our will upon others?

I agree that we need to steward what we were given well, but folks, breaking the law is not the right way to do it.

[enovikoff]

Shaming someone or a company is hardly "terrorism" as some of the readers have claimed. The fact is that HP is trying to hide something that would cause them shame, and GreenPeace found a way to make sure that they couldn't hide it anymore. As an HP alumnus, the company I used to work for 10 years ago and before wouldn't have cut corners on eliminating dangerous chemicals from its product stream. I guess the "HP Way" is dead, and the employees I worked with who would have stood up for honesty and the environment long ago laid off.

[celticbrewer]

The EU defined terrorism as "intimidating a population; or unduly compelling a Government or international organisation to perform or abstain from performing any act"

Sounds like it fits the bill. A bunch of uniformed "activists" trespassing on and vandalizing private property of an international organization trying to compell them to abstain from an act.

If greenpeace wanted to shame HP, they just could have written articles, taken out ads, or otherwise peacefully and legally brought the attention to the media. With all the "green" hype in the media these days, I'm sure plenty of outlets would have loved to pick up this story.

[regulas1]

Maybe Greenpeace should look at focusing their attention on more immense problems like mercury in all the compact florescent light bulbs. I have them but as they go out I am getting LED light bulbs or the old fashioned ones. Unless they figure a way to make the florescent ones without mercury that ends up in our land fills then migrates down to the water table.

[peterwhite]

Terrorism is terrorism, both foreign and domestic. I don't give a flying BEEP whether or not the finger paint they used was non-toxic. All this shows me is that if you're a business that's engaged with Greenpeace in the past; you're better off ignoring their demands since any delay in following through o a verbal promise will be met with vandalism. I hope HP sues the crap out of Greenpeace for clean up cost, permanently adding additional security officers, legal fees, and negative image cauding impact to their bottom line. HP should fight them tooth and claw with the settlement going to rival charities and non-profits.

[screwball01]

Many people try to help the world by creating new and cleaner technologies, or by supporting people who do. Then there are self righteous people like Green Peace who think that by harassing and bullying other people they're making a difference.

Organizations like Green Peace will never make a difference because they try to push people into agreeing with their views instead of being innovators and convincing other people to follow their lead.

The Green Peace motto: "If you can't lead or innovate: Protest"

[peterwhite]

Three of the most obnoxious greenpeace a.k.a. (bio-terror: do as we say and we'll have peace ... until you make us wait) olofer, bassoonbg, and greenfellow - all are brand new forum members with one post each. Gee ... any bets on the same IP address being used for all three of these wackos, probably all fake accounts initiated by enovikoff.

Stop trying to lay the blame for all of the planet's woes on a few select US companies. Get your butt to Africa and Asia where the harsh working conditions, unsanitary manufacturing, and **** poor social education are leading to the planet's decline. The fake stats about the US' impact on the planet come from the same creative minds that brought us such gems as Mac & Me ... pure garbage ... mostly lies ... way overdramatic.

[blarson42]

If it saves one life then I would call it a successful tactic.

[HIcycles]

ummmm, no. by that logic, we should be vandalizing fast food restaurants, tobacco companies, abortion clinics, etc...

and what if vandalism doesn't work? do we go the next step? kidnapping? arson? bombing? where does it end?

vigilante justice is wrong because it creates chaos.

[spookyechc]

I bet greenpeace used HP computers to plan this "attack"

[firewolf4]

The bottom line is Greenpeace not only harassed HP employees ( Violation of the Rico act) but also destroyed PRIVATE property. The very least should be charging greenpeace with conspiracy in terroristic activities. What I would "Like" to see ( in a totally sarcastic meaning) is those who committed this crime being clubbed to death with baby seals.

[A_Wave]

RICO!? Not by a long shot.

[DamonDMEC]

Let's get serious. Vandalism cannot be considered terrorism unless you're making a threat, and then the context of the threat needs to be taken into account.

Greenpeace has been hard at work publicizing their cause, this is just another step in that process.

Unlike the French government, which enjoys bombing vessels in port, Greenpeace uses non-violent means (unlike ALF/ELF/PETA) to get their point across.