As today is Earth Day, Apple has made available a badge that Apple Watch owners can earn by doing a thirty minute workout, as part of a wider group of initiatives in an effort to appeal to people"s ethical sensibilities.
In its press release, the company said:
Apple"s new Earth Day Challenge encourages customers to get outside and enjoy the planet and complete a workout of at least 30 minutes. If they do so on Earth Day, they"ll receive a special achievement and unique stickers in the Messages app.
The new stickers and badges are just one way Apple has elected to promote Earth Day. Additionally, the firm has worked with artist James Blagden to create animated videos which show Apple"s approaches to being more sustainable. One such animated video discusses Apple"s new HQ, Apple Park, which will replace “5 million square feet of asphalt and concrete with grassy fields and over 9,000 native, drought-resistant trees, and is powered by 100 percent renewable energy”.
Lastly, Apple highlighted some of the key points from its environmental responsibility report. The company said it is 100 percent renewable in 24 countries, including all of its data centres, and that seven manufacturing suppliers have committed to using 100 percent renewables for any Apple products they produce. Another interesting note is that Apple has transitioned around 320,000 acres of forest in China towards Forest Stewardship Council certification, meaning it has protected and created enough sustainably managed forests to cover all its packaging needs.