Jun 26 - Consumers Want Greener Computers

A new survey conducted for Greenpeace reveals that personal computer consumers are willing to shell out more money to guy from environmentally friendly computers. In an article by TechnologyNews, it discusses the move currently being taken by electronic companies, including Dell, which recently committed to eliminating hazardous chemicals from computers.  July 1 is the deadline of the European Union's Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) law prohibiting lead and other substances from electronics.

(NewsTarget) A nine-country survey conducted for Greenpeace by Ipsos-Mori shows that PC consumers would be willing to pay nearly $200 extra for a computer containing fewer chemicals. The study corresponded with a recent move by Dell to gradually eliminate some of the toxic chemicals used in the production of its products.

A separate report, published in 2004 by United Nations University, shows that the average PC uses 10 times its weight in hazardous chemicals and fossil fuels during production. The short life of computer hardware is also contributing to a rapidly growing heap of toxic waste, especially in India and China. About 70 percent of lead, mercury and other heavy-metal pollutants come from electronic waste. Thirty million computers are trashed every year in the United States alone.

Complete Article

Effective Jan 1, 2007, manufacturers of covered electronics under SB 20 will be required to follow similar RoHS provisions. CAW is currently sponsoring AB 2202 (Saldaña), which will expand California’s current phase out provision to virtually all electronic devices. AB 2202 will be heard TODAY in the Senate Environmental Quality Committee.

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Lanh Nguyen