Growing Green Computers

Following years of pressure from green groups like Greenpeace and more recent pressure from mainstream America, computer manufacturers are finally starting to clean up their act when it comes to the toxins present in their products

Just browse the Web site of any major electronics/computer manufacturer and you will see details of their green initiatives, and their environmentally friendly measures dealing with the toxic materials in PCs’.
PC manufacturers are really trying to hop on the green bandwagon, and some are taking it seriously, doing everything in their power to minimize the negative effects their practices and products have on the environment.

Dell, ranked at the top of U.S. PC manufacturers by Gartner research, says its OptiPlex desktops are 50 percent more energy-efficient than similar systems from 2005, and that it has stepped up programs to eliminate or reduce hazardous substances in its products. They are not alone.

Figures like this however belie that fact that greening up a PC is no easy task. Just take a look at Greenpeaces Guide to Greener Electronics to see how many factors are involved.

Companies are ranked according to points given to 15 criteria in the categories of toxic chemicals, energy and e-waste. As of June, Sony came out the greenest with 5.1 out of a possible 10 points. Dell, tied with Sony for 2nd place in March, is now in 5th place with 4.5 points. HP, the nation's second largest computer manufacturer, scored 4.3 and Apple received 4.1.

Make sure to check out the Greenpeace study before you buy your next PC!