HP employees at the company's headquarters in Palo Alto were in for a shock Tuesday morning as they found the message "Hazardous Products" painted on the roof of their office and Greenpeace activists squatting on top. The activists were protesting HP's alleged backtracking on its commitment to eliminate toxic chemicals from its products by the end of the year.
Greenpeace activists climbed to the top of HP's building and inked the slogan using non-toxic children’s finger-paint, said the organization. The message covers about 11,500 square feet, or the size of two and half basketball courts.
Based on the photos provided by Greenpeace, at least ten Greenpeace activists were seen sitting on the roof of the HP building. Greenpeace has had similar demonstrations against HP at its offices in China and Holland, it says.
Graffitis wasn't all that HP employees had to put up with. They were also greeted by automated phone calls from Star Trek star William Shatner. Shatner's pre-recorded message reportedly called upon HP to phase out toxic chemicals.
"HP continues to put hazardous products on the market," said Greenpeace International Toxics Campaigner Casey Harrell in a statement. "Apple has led the sector in phasing out of these toxic chemicals. HP should be following Apple’s lead, instead of breaking its commitment and delaying action."
According to Greenpeace, HP has postponed a commitment it made in 2007 to eliminate materials such as brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics from its computing products. Greenpeace regards the materials as toxic and has asked PC makers to offer products free of it. PVC and BFRs can release dioxin, a carcinogen, when burned, says Greenpeace.
HP has reportedly delayed its compliance by up to two years, from 2009 to 2011. The company ranks 14th in the quarterly Greenpeace Guide to Greener Electronics.
Greenpeace's score card puts HP rivals such as Apple, Dell, Lenovo and Acer ahead in terms of compliance. Apple’s new computer products are virtually free of PVC and completely BFR free, said Greenpeace.
But how much will Greenpeace's latest actions help HP move faster? Beyond bringing some attention to Greenpeace, we are not sure it helps much in getting HP to work on its manufacturing process.
"The unconstructive antics at HP’s headquarters today did nothing to advance the goals that all who care about the environment share," said an HP spokesperson in a statement. "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."
See more photos from the Greenpeace protest.
Photo: Greenpeace activists protest on the roof of HP's building/ Greenpeace
