Ever wondered what tech companies are doing when it comes to the environment? I searched their Web sites to track down their policies and recycling programs, if any. I plan to update this list when new information comes along.
Computer companies
Acer Inc.: Nothing addresses the environment on its web site.
Alienware: I couldn’t find any official green policy but then again, I couldn’t find anything about Alienware being owned by Dell. It does have trade-in program.
Apple Inc.: Plans to eliminate the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in its products, and arsenic in the glass of flat-panel displays by the end of 2008. Links: Apple’s green policy and its recycling program.
Dell: “At Dell, we’re committed to becoming the greenest technology company on the planet.” Links: Dell’s green policy, and recycling program. Also offers ‘green calculators‘ to determine how much energy its products use. Has a cool image on its page so I stole it.
Gateway & Emachines (part of Acer): Gateway is “dedicated to protecting and improving the environment in every aspect of our operations.” Links: Gateway’s green policy and recycling program.
Hewlett-Packard: Expects to “meet or exceed all applicable legal requirements and aggressively pursue pollution prevention, energy conservation and waste reduction in our operations.” Links: HP’s green policy, recycling program (includes printers, ink cartridges and computers) and its green news.
Toshiba America: Its slogan, “Committed to People, Committed to the Future” includes programs that involve community relations, education, the environment and philanthropy. Links: Toshiba’s green policy and it’s recycling program and green news.
Storage companies
Western Digital Corp.: In 2007, WD added green-power hard drives, which save 4-5 watts over the competition. Links: Green policy
Seagate Technology: “As an industry leader, Seagate is committed to developing and maintaining sustainable, responsible practices in its global operations.” Links: Green policy
Mobile phone companies
AT&T: Was the first to partner with the EPA’s Plug in to eCycling program. Also offers recycling options, including encouraging consumers to bring in any old phone or battery to local stores.
Sprint: Became an EPA Climate Leader Partner in 2007 and expects to set an aggressive greenhouse gas emissions reduction target in 2008. Links: Green policy, recycling programs
T-Mobile: No special environment page but does offer several ways to recycle or trade in old phones.
Verizon Wireless: Used phones are accepted at its stores and refurbished or recycled through the HopeLine program.
Internet companies
eBay: Launched the Rethink campaign with Intel and other tech companies urging consumers to reuse and recycle. The site offers ways to reuse older technology.
Yahoo! Offers a list of what the company is doing to be good to the earth. Links: Yahoo’s policy and programs.
Networking companies
D-Link Systems: Launched a line of Green Ethernet products in Nov. 2007 that reduce power to ports when attached devices are inactive. Makes external power adapters that are Energy-Star compliant. Links: D-Link’s green policy, and white paper.
IOGEAR: On track to have its products be 100 percent PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and BFR (brominated flame retardant) free by 2009. Links: IOGEAR’s green policy and recycling program, and tree-planting program.
(image from Dell web site)
For more tips on green technology, see the Gadgetress Guide HERE.
Tamara 'the Gadgetress' Chuang
Here's a list of TV/mobile companies helping consumers one tweet at a time. 
