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Although computer makers have made strides in reducing toxic components in their desktops, laptops, and monitors, most PCs are still chockfull of hazardous substances. To minimize any potential exposure, look for models selected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT), which is largely based on European Union standards called Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS).
Across the pond, RoHS-compliant products exclude specific hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium, cadmium, and some brominated flame retardants. Companies producing these products must also incorporate a minimum of 65 percent reusable or recyclable components, develop a plan to manage products at the end of their life cycle, and reduce or eliminate toxic materials in their packaging.EPEAT ratings, which come in Bronze, Silver, and Gold, are evaluated according to 51 environmental criteria, 23 of which are mandatory and 28 being optional. (You can search for specific models that fall under any of the three categories on EPEAT's Web site.)
Purchases of EPEAT-registered PCs and monitors over the next five years, according to the EPA, can potentially reduce hazardous waste by more than 4 million pounds (the equivalent of 266 elephants), eliminate more than 1 million pounds (66 of those same pachyderms) of nonhazardous waste, and save more than 200,000 megawatt hours of energy-enough to power 2 million homes.
Difficulty level: Easy
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