[FreeGeek] Choose a Greener Computer

[Simon Pavitt]

Hi geeks

Thought there might be FreeGeekers who would find this guide to choosing 
a greener computer useful which I'd not come across before.

FreeGeek's about extending the life of computers, but if you do have to 
get a new computer then the guide might help in choosing which model:
[www.epeat.net/search.aspx]

You can get an overall result (banded by Gold, Silver or Bronze), or if 
you click on 'optional criteria' you can make your own selection from 
the following:
- Reduction/elimination of environmentally sensitive materials
- Materials selection
- Design for end of life
- Product longevity/life cycle extension
- Energy conservation
- End of life management
- Corporate performance
- Packaging

You can even select by numerous sub-categories, from "Elimination of 
intentionally added cadmium" to "Documentation of reusable packaging".

Alternatively, you can look up your own model and see what material it's 
got in it....

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Taken from [blog.techsoup.org/node/73]:

Are you harming vital organs while saving the world? It's possible if 
you are working on environmentally unfriendly computer equipment. 
Fortunately, a new online tool can help ensure that your next computer 
is less toxic for you and the environment.

The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT), a project 
of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Green Electronics Council 
[www.greenelectronicscouncil.org] can help you evaluate the 
environmental friendliness of more than 500 models of computers.

The EPEAT Web site [www.epeat.net] offers easy-to-use search tools to 
allow you to see how your computer stacks up. You can see immediately 
how your machine is rated for categories including materials selection; 
design for end of life; and energy conservation.

In the meantime, what components should you watch out for when it comes 
time to upgrade? A recent article in Portland Monthly 
[www.portlandmonthlymag.com] magazine gets the scoop from GEC Director 
Jeff Omelchuck.

LEAD
Why it's bad: Can severely damage the brain and kidneys.
Where it's found: Solder on circuit boards, monitor glass in cathode-ray 
tube (CRT) displays.
How to avoid it: Opt for liquid crystal display (LCD) that doesn't use 
fluorescent lights.

MERCURY
Why it's bad: Can damage the brain, kidneys, and lungs.
Where it's found: Back lights that illuminate laptop and LCD monitors.
How to avoid it: Some new screens, such as Apple's MacBook Pro, use LED 
(light-emitting diode) technology, which is mercury-free.

CADMIUM
Why it's bad: Harms the lungs, irritates the stomach and may cause 
kidney disease.
Where it's found: Coating for internal steel parts.
How to avoid it: Find a bronze-rated EPEAT machine, which has no more 
than a tenth of a percent by weight of cadmium.

CHROMIUM VI
Why it's bad: Causes ulcers and holes in the nasal septum.
Where it's found: Corrosion-inhibiting coating for connectors and screws 
inside a computer.
How to avoid it: Any material used in a computer rated EPEAT bronze 
contains no more than a tenth of a percent by weight of chromiuim VI.

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Thanks

Simon

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simon pavitt
www.headware.co.uk

it's not hardware, it's not software, it's headware
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