Greenpeace today announced the 2007 rankings for "The World’s Most Eco-Friendly Electronics Firms". Yes, it's true Virginia: You can have awards for just about anything these days. Surprising runners-up Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Dell, and Samsung, Chinese firm Lenovo came out on top among the 14 international firms that were surveyed.

Greenpeace bases the rankings on eco-friendly measures that are adopted in the production processes and the techniques used to recycle the hardware products.

But honestly, these awards are quite possibly another tool by Greenpeace to twist the knife of green responsibility deeper into Apple Inc. The firm (which was given the dubious last spot on the list) has long been a pinnate for environmentalists. Apple still refuses to set a deadline for eliminating some toxic chemicals from its production processes. In light of this, Greenpeace gave them a 2.7 out of 10. Oh, snap!

For its part, Lenovo received an 8 out of 10 — mainly due to an ambitious recycling program that takes back hardware in all the nations where its products are sold. No matter how old or broken, the firm takes it back and follows the 3Rs. Greenpeace's Iza Kruszewska was elated to see a Chinese firm take the number one spot saying, "Given the growing mountains of e-waste in China - both imported and domestically generated - it is heartening to see a Chinese company taking the lead, and assuming responsibility at least for its own branded waste." I couldn't agree more.

Looking at the survey, more than 9 firms out of the 14 profiled scored above a 5. This is encouraging to see and will most likely only improve as the "Environmental Age" moves forward. As much as we love our iPods, let's hope Apple decides to join the party. A 2.7 report card up on the fridge just doesn't look good for an American firm.