Why we need a Make It Better law24 September 2013
Apple has again refused to answer questions about the environmental cost of its products, as 9 million new iPhones were sold over launch weekend.
Failing to be open with customers is making the technology company look out of date, critics suggest.
And it contrasts with the new Fairphone: transparent about its mission to use conflict-free metals and ensure fair wages for workers.
Why does openness with customers matter?
Without transparency there's no accountability; without accountability there's no prospect of improvement.
George Monbiot, environment journalist
Time for transparency
That's why 28,000 Friends of the Earth supporters have been pressuring Apple to publically admit to using tin from Bangka Island, Indonesia.
After we revealed their use of tin mined in devastating conditions on Bangka, companies are now working together to find ways to tackle the problems.
But this is just one example of similar problems in production in different sectors all over the world.
And as Apple's failure to come clean about its tin suppliers shows, many companies are unwilling to be held accountable.
How to Make It Better
To help prevent problems like those in Bangka, we're calling for the Make It Better Law.
This will mean all companies have to take responsibility for their impact on the natural world. And it will help companies who do want to improve, helping them address the problems in their supply chains.
We'll be telling you more about the Make It Better law soon.
For now, you can help convince key UK business ministers of the need for new rules.
© Friends of the Earth
