Bamboo PC is Eco-Friendly And Looks Nice, Too

While just about all big computer makers are taking steps to make technology more environmentally friendly, Asustek is one of the first to unveil a bamboo-encased computer. Some niche companies geared toward eco-conscious consumers offer bamboo computer mice, keyboards and monitor frames. “As part of a portfolio of case choices, it makes sense,” said Roger Kay, president of PC market researcher Endpoint Technologies Associates Inc. “I don’t think the computer is going to go over to wooden casing,” Kay said. “It’s ecological to grow it, but my sense is there’s probably more show than substance to the claim of sustainable manufacturing.” While plastic casings often contain toxins like polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, the bigger environmental threats come from lead in cathode ray tube monitors. (…) Targus teamed up with the Texas-based computer maker last month to sell its cases on Dell’s Web site and will donate a portion of its Dell-sold cases to Dell’s “Plant a tree for me” program, which allows consumers to make donations to plant trees to offset the carbon impact of electricity for running their computers. Dell and Lenovo plan to eliminate PVC and brominated flame retardants, or BFRs, another potential hazard, from their new products by 2009, and Dell requires its parts suppliers to meet environmental targets such as carbon-emission reductions. Apple says it plans to eliminate the use of PVC and BFRs from all its products by the end of next year. The major computer companies including Apple and Dell also have programs to recycle discarded PCs and monitors. By 2010, Apple expects to recycle 19 million pounds of so-called e-waste per year, or about 30 percent of the product weight it sold seven years earlier. HP said it is on schedule to meet a goal of recycling 1 billion pounds of equipment and supplies by the end of this year. Image source: rk-web.net. > Continue.

News selected by Covalence | Country: Global | Company: Dell, HP, Apple, Lenovo, Targus | Source: RK Web Blog