Apple's decision to exit the product certification program for compliance with national environmental standards EPEAT generated a wave of discontent among the company consumers. Several U.S. government agencies immediately lost the opportunity to purchase Apple products . San Francisco authorities advised its employer to not buy Apple products at the expense of the city budget.
Apple representatives first tried to recognize that EPEAT standard is outdated, talking about other environmental standards, which is fully consistent with the company's products. In addition, they reminded that smart phones and tablets do not pass EPEAT certification , and that a considerable part of the product brand.
Apple was forced to turn to the public with an open letter , which acknowledged the previous steps for EPEAT wrong, and stated on the return of all controlled products in this program certification standard .