Look for an Energy Efficient Product When You Buy Your Next Computer

June 23rd, 2010

The presence of the government’s Energy Star label is growing as a focus on energy efficient products emerges. Now that our home and work life revolve around technology, it’s important to find more sustainable products. If you’re looking to buy a new PC there are several computer companies that are leading the way in green technology. The new Mac mini from Apple is the self- proclaimed “world’s most energy-efficient desktop computer.” This product received the Energy Star label from the EPA. Some of the specifications required for computers to receive the Energy Star label include amount of energy consumption, efficient power supplies and the use of sleep modes during periods of inactivity.The Mac mini goes beyond the standards set for an Energy Star product and uses additional technology to save power depending on what functions are being used during activity. This computer also uses less power during idle mode than most other desktops. Another eco-friendly feature of this computer is the removal of many of the toxic products typically found in computers such as brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Using such products often becomes a problem in the end-life of the product when it must be disposed of. Apple has added to the environmental efficiency of this computer by using recycled material and fewer packaging materials. The smaller size of the computer allows for smaller packaging and less materials to be disposed of in the end. As a benefit to all U.S. Apple users, the company uses a recycling program to collect old products to prevent improper and dangerous disposal.The Mac mini is only one of many new products that have a greater emphasis placed on efficiency and sustainability. When it’s time to purchase your new computer, look for the Energy Star label as well as other product specifications that will inform you of how “green” the product really is.

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