c., the one-time computer also-ran that changed the way the world listens to music, is now the most valuable company in the world. (See “Apple becomes world’s most valuable company,” The Globe and Mail.)

There’s no question that Apple is a remarkable company. In addition to its business turnaround, its innovative design, and its media content and apps, the unadulterated sexiness of all its products makes Apple hard to resist. For me, what isn’t hard to resist is asking: How can a company that is this extraordinary in other respects be missing in action on corporate social responsibility?

Here’s what Apple says on its website: “Apple is committed to ensuring the highest standards of social responsibility wherever our products are made. We insist that our suppliers provide safe working conditions, treat workers with dignity and respect, and use environmentally responsible manufacturing processes.” You can access the company’s 2011 Supplier Responsibility Reporton its web site.

A review of Apple’s Supplier Responsibility Report reveals that the company is taking action to stop unethical practices among is suppliers. These have included use of underage labor at 10 facilities, dangerous working conditions at two facilities, falsification of audit materials at four facilities, and bribery at one facility.  It’s obvious that these irresponsible actions need to be prevented. However, doing what’s necessary in this area doesn’t add up to CSR as it should be practiced at Apple.

(As an aside, over the last year it’s been really interesting to see how centralResearch in Motion‘s Blackberry Messenger has been to social change. Albeit, not intentional and not always ethical.)

What should CSR at Apple look like? I’m sure Steve Jobs has an answer to this question, but in case he doesn’t, here are a few ideas:

—Support the development of technology that contributes to and measures social change. Technology has become central to fighting disease, distributing food, improving education, and Apple should be a leader.

—Support innovative design as it applies to social change. Great design results in more use and better outcomes and is urgently needed areas such as assistive devices for the aging, bicycles and alternative transportation, and renewable energy.

—Support the dissemination of the most credible information relating to social issue. iTunes could be the world’s most important source for social research, tools, and programs.

Please add to this list. Then we can send it to Steve.

We love Apple, but we’re hungry for its social purpose. Today being the world’s most valuable company also means being the world’s most valued company—and Apple’s got a long way to go.