ATTENTION Computer Shoppers

     The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT©) is a new tool to help purchasers in the public and private sectors (e.g., government agencies, private sector companies, and colleges/universities) evaluate, compare, and select desktop computers, notebooks, and monitors based on environmental attributes.  Individual consumers are also able to review environmental considerations before making their purchases.

     EPEAT evaluates electronic products according to three tiers of environmental performance – Bronze, Silver, and Gold.  Compared to traditional computer equipment, all EPEAT-registered computers have reduced levels of cadmium, lead, and mercury, are more energy efficient, and are easier to upgrade and recycle.  The EPA estimates that over the next five years, purchases of EPEAT registered computers will result in the reductions of:

• More than 13 million pounds of Hazardous Waste
• More than 3 million pounds of Non-hazardous Waste
• More than 600,000 MWh of Energy – enough to power 6 million homes. 

     Over 60 desktop computers, laptops, and monitors from CTL, Dell, HP, and other manufacturers are recognized as part of the EPA-funded effort to identify high performance, environmentally friendly computer equipment.  For more information, visit www.epeat.net.