Daydreamers have mused over what sweet music Nintendo and Apple could be making together, but according to Greenpeace the two companies already share something in common, and it's their apparent lack of environmental friendliness. The environmental watchdog releases its latest quarterly "Guide to Greener Electronics", ranking companies on their commitment to reducing e-waste and use of "harmful chemicals" in products, and the newest report marks the first time Greenpeace has factored television and video game console makers into their evaluation of consumer electronics. Unfortunately, Greenpeace's report card for Nintendo is none too favorable, granting the Mario Factory a zero out of ten so big it can roll it home.

Greenpeace claims Nintendo has no discernible policies over use of chemicals like vinyl plastic (PVC) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs), though the company's website does note its manufacturing partners are required to steer clear of any banned substances for consoles and any of their components. Greenpeace could not find any plans on Nintendo's part to phase out their use in console hardware, and Nintendo had no known programs in place for electronics recycling.

Console competitor Microsoft is also new to the list, but makes a poor debut with a score of 2.7. Microsoft does intend to eliminate use of PVCs and BFRs before 2011, but Greenpeace believes the company fails to be forward with information on identifying future substances. Microsoft does not provide voluntary takeback as of yet, though the company last year did fund recovery and recycling of "over 1.3 million kgs of consumer electrical and electronic goods" in Europe. Greenpeace explains that Microsoft does not actively support its existing "producer-funded" recycling.

Both Sony and Sony Ericsson have the most experience with Greenpeace, being present in all their evaluations since August 2006. Sony has yet to rank over 8, but the company fared far better than either Nintendo or Microsoft this time around with a score of 7.3. Sony has since eliminated much of its use of PVCs and BFRs in its electronics, and the company intends to phase out use of PVC by 2010. The company also explicitly provides information on chemical management regulations and their implementation. Sony provides nationwide recycling in the US, and supports trade-in programs for notebook computers. Finally, Sony actively recovered and recycled resources from e-waste in Japan during the previous fiscal year.

Sony (7.3/10) - More products free of toxic PVC and improved reporting on recycling and takeback especially in the US. (PDF report) 

Microsoft (2.7/10) - New to the guide - long timeline for toxic chemicals elimination (2011) and poor takeback policy and practice. (PDF report)

Nintendo (0/10) - New to the guide - first global brand to score zero across all criteria! (PDF report)

Will Nintendo and Microsoft see their negative marks according to Greenpeace as enough of a blow to their reputation that official commentary will be in order? E-waste is certainly becoming an active topic what with the proliferation of digital audio players, cameras, etc., and there is still concern over how obsolete electronics are essentially being dumped into countries like India and China through clandestine arteries.