How Green is Your Computer

Last week Dell Inc. created somewhat of a stir in the computer world not only by launching a new green initiative, but also challenging all other computer manufacturers to do the same.

"Today, I challenge every PC maker to join us in providing free recycling for every customer in every country you do business, all the time - no exceptions," Michael Dell, chairman of Dell Inc. stated. "It's the right thing for our customers. It's the right thing to do for our earth."

Since 2004, Dell has offered free recycling of any brand of computer or printer if consumers bought a new Dell system. In June 2006 this program was extended to all Dell printers, personal computers or other electronics products for free, no purchase of new Dell products required. Click here for more details.

Last Tuesday Dell took their environmental commitment one step further, starting in February in the US and April globally, the Plant a Tree for Me program will provide you with the option to make a donation for the planting of a tree to neutralize the carbon footprint of your product use.

Donation amounts are based on expected average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the production of electricity needed to power the systems over three years – for a notebook .42 tons and for a desktop 1.26 tons. The cost of the carbon offset is $4.75 per ton. It costs approximately $6.31 per tree planted. On average a tree will sequester 1.33 tons of CO2 over 70 years through the program. Thus, the offset donation required to neutralize the carbon impact for notebooks is $2 and $6 for desktops.

Something to consider the next time you are shopping for a new computer!