tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83424705040842305602011-09-20T11:40:59.709-07:00News Updaternoreply@blogger.comBlogger11100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8342470504084230560.post-829296200634900102011-09-04T03:27:00.001-07:002011-09-04T03:27:19.174-07:00<p class="introduction" id="story_continues_1">Apple has defended its environmental record after allegations that some of its suppliers are polluting in China. </p> <p>The technology giant said that it was committed to the highest standard of social responsibility. </p> <p>The comments come after a report by Chinese environmental groups claimed a number of Apple manufacturers were discharging harmful pollutants. </p> <p>Chinese companies have often been criticised for focusing on output rather than environmental issues. </p> <p>The report by the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs (IPE) and other non-governmental environment groups also said that one factory in the city of Taiyuan emitted irritating gases and residents had reported difficulty opening their windows. </p> <p>In response, Apple told the BBC's Michael Bristow that the company had a tough code of conduct for all its supply firms and it audited many of them. </p> <p>But a company report released earlier this year found dozens of suppliers across the world were mishandling dangerous chemicals.</p> <p>More than 100 workers were contaminated at one Chinese plant.</p> <p>Environmental groups say China does not have sufficient rules in place to protect the environment and Apple is taking advantage of that.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8342470504084230560-82929620063490010?l=duvafiles.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>News Updaternoreply@blogger.com0