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A new computer AND an environmental statement: now THAT’S multitasking
 Grade your computer!
The Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition tracks the environmental performance of leading computer manufacturers through their annual Computer Report Card. The latest edition of the Report Card lists Hewlett Packard (HP), Dell, and NEC as the leaders in the field, although recognizes that even these companies must do even more in the future. Hewlett Packard received high marks for its support of takeback legislation in Minnesota and Maine. Dell was praised for eliminating prison labor and instituting a U.S. recycling program. NEC’s aggressive toxics phase-out program and the fact that they were the only company that posted re-use and recycling goals on their web site earned them a spot in the top three.
Energy efficiency is also important for a cleaner computer. Computers with an EPA Energy Star label use 70% less electricity than conventional machines. Many computers sold in the U.S. carry the EPA Energy Star label.
Use the Energy Star Store Locator to find energy efficient computers online or at a store near you.
Just plug in your zip code and check "computers" from the available choices, and the store locator will generate a list of the nearest stores.
Tip: The locator also searches online sources. Clicking "yes" in the "sells online" button will display online stores before the local sources. To shop locally, it's better to leave the "sells online" box checked "no." If nothing satisfactory comes up, go back and check "yes" on the "sells online" option.
Buy refurbished
Refurbished computers are machines that have been returned to the manufacturer, who rebuilds them. Generally, they perform well and are a fraction of the cost of a new computer (usually 30-50% off the new price). Many manufacturers sell refurbished computers directly. Dell, HP (includes Compaq), IBM and Apple offer them online complete with money back guarantees and warranties (for Apple: type "refurbished" into the search box and a list of available products will appear). Dell and Apple offer 1 year warranties on service and parts, while HP and IBM offer 90 day warranties with options to upgrade.
There are also many used computer dealers locally and online. You can look through an alphabetical list on Google. Ebay, of course, is also an excellent resource for used computers. Make sure, though, when purchasing from an online retailer or on Ebay to first check the seller's guarantees and warranty options. A dead computer isn’t much of a bargain.
 Got computer buying tips? Post 'em here
Why it's important
 Putting computers together involves a lot of very toxic materials. According to the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition “There are few other products for which the sum of the environmental impacts of raw material extraction, industrial refining and production, use and disposal is so extensive.” Huge environmental impacts are associated with how those materials are extracted, used, and disposed each year as millions of computers are produced and millions more become obsolete and end up in the trash heap. The industry has a long way to go, but you can help by rewarding manufacturers who are making the effort to reduce environmental impact and offer you cleaner machines.
Learn more
One of the most important things you can do is to dispose of your old computer equipment in a responsible manner. DON'T just put it in the trash. Find electronics recycling opportunities in your area.
Check out Silicon Valley Toxic Coalition’s Clean Computer Campaign
Some of the larger computer manufacturers now sponsor recycling programs in which customers can return old computer parts for a fee. Find out who takes what.
"Used or Upgraded PCs Can Help Wallet, Environment" - from Planet Ark
Learn more about the Conscious Consumer Marketplace.
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