In charge of buying some new IT equipment at your company?  The desktop in the home office getting a bit putzy?  Your mother-in-law seeking something "green" to replace her aging laptop, and consulting YOU the techno-wonder to sort her out?

Have no fear, EPEAT is here.

EPEAT is a system that helps purchasers evaluate, compare and select electronic products based on their environmental attributes. The system currently covers desktop and laptop computers, thin clients, workstations and computer monitors.

The rating system works like this: desktops, laptops and monitors that meet 23 required environmental performance criteria may be registered in EPEAT by their manufacturers in 40 countries worldwide. Registered products are rated Gold, Silver or Bronze depending on the percentage of 28 optional criteria they meet above the baseline criteria. EPEAT operates an ongoing verification program to assure the credibility of the registry.

This means the products are the real deal, the claims are verified, and you can make a sound decision when you, inevitably, need to get some new technology. 

In 2006, the rating system was introduced in the U.S. market. It now has information about technology available in countries around the world, including Canada, Mexico, Europe, China, Japan, Brazil, Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand.

In the U.S., the Federal Acquisition Regulations’ EPEAT purchasing requirement was finalized January 15. Under the rule, all Federal agencies must purchase 95% or higher EPEAT registered products in all relevant product categories.  It is a pretty bold step towards green technology procurement (See?  The government can do something right after all...).

Be a part of the change and check out your EPEAT options before buying anything.  Keep in mind that enormous volumes of materials are used to manufacture equipment.  In some cases, a simple laptop involves the use of some 1500 kgs of raw materials (oil, water, plastics, etc.) behind the scenes to make it.  The environmental inputs to make technology is not cheap.

With disposal, remember to deal with old technology responsibly.  Tech equipment is never suitable for landfill as it contains many hazardous materials, including heavy metals.  Make sure to have outdated materials picked up for recycling at a facility that can safely handle hazardous materials.

More cool stuff on Celsias:

Responsible Electronics Recycling: Turning Policy Into Practice
Where to Recycle Electronics FREE
The Greenpeace Guide to Greener Electronics

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