Green Computer Buying Guide

Today's computers are greener than ever. They're designed to incorporate fewer toxic materials and to be more energy efficient. There are now government resources that can help you to buy a green computer that has the features you want. Green computers are produced by popular major computer manufacturers, so you don't have to give up convenience, style or computing power to get one. If you like, you can even customize and order your green computer online.

One of the best resources for finding a green computer is the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT.) The EPEAT scale is used to rate laptop computers, desktop computers and computer monitors according to specific environmental criteria. All computers must meet 23 required criteria. Computers are also assigned a rating of EPEAT bronze, silver or gold depending on 28 optional criteria. You can easily search the EPEAT.net website to shop for a green computer that meets your needs. For best results, choose a computer that is rated silver or gold. The computers in the EPEAT list with the highest "Optional Points" are the greenest.

The Energy Star website also offers tools to help you buy a green, energy efficient computer. To qualify for the Energy Star label, computers must meet strict Typical Energy Consumption (TEC) requirements. They must save energy both while they're in use and while in sleep mode. You can search the Energy Star website for energy efficient computers by brand or by model number. You can also select computers by product type and by features such as the operating system, total RAM, number of hard drives, amount of hard drive storage space and video card.

When you're looking for a green computer, a notebook or laptop computer is your best bet. Notebook and laptop computers are smaller, so they require less material to make. Also, they use considerably less energy than desktop computers. Laptop computers are also less likely to contain lead than desktop computers. Laptop and notebook computers tend to cost more upfront than desktops, but over time they will cost less since they use less power. If you really need a desktop computer, there are highly efficient desktops with a small form factor and a highly efficient power supply. Among the greenest brands of notebook, laptop and desktop computers are HP, Apple, Lenovo and Dell. When you're shopping for a computer, visit the manufacturer's website to browse their greenest models. Make sure that the computer is free from brominated fire retardant (BMR), arsenic, lead and mercury. Also look for a computer that's made from recycled or recyclable materials and that includes reduced packaging.

For more eco-friendly and green computing tips, read How to Use a Computer Monitor as a TV and How to Repair and Upgrade an HP Pavilion Computer.

Sources:

"Welcome to EPEAT." EPEAT.net
"Computers." EnergyStar.gov