Buy Green Electronics

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Quick Facts Affordability Cost Savings CO2 Reduction TV efficiency tips You can save plenty with the way you use your existing TV, and you can save even more by buying an energy-efficient TV. Learn more		Consider sustainability standards when purchasing new electronic or computer equipment. Products with Green-Specs™ certification may reduce your home energy consumption by up to 60%. Other benefits include ENERGY STAR® efficiency, reduced levels of hazardous materials and greater product life.  Affordability Buying green electronics is about knowing what to look for. Certification labels, such as Green-Specs™, ENERGY STAR and EPEAT™ (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool), make it easier for consumers to know more about how much they can save by looking for these and other labels. Cost savings Make ENERGY STAR choices and save. An ENERGY STAR TV, for example, uses about 30% less energy than a standard unit and is rated to consume one watt or less when switched off.  Health & comfort Green electronics are designed to save energy and reduce or eliminate harmful materials that have been found to have adverse effects on human health and wildlife. Environmental considerations Green electronics use fewer natural resources and are often made from recyclable materials, thereby creating less waste in the environment.

What you need to know

• The first thing to consider is whether you actually need the item you want. Buying less is the best way to reduce waste.
• The next thing to consider is whether you can buy the item used. Sites such as eBay and Craigslist often offer top-quality electronics at significantly reduced prices.
• If buying used isn’t green enough for you, look for proven certification labels, such as ENERGY STAR, Green Specs™ and EPEAT™. Under these certification processes, products must meet rigorous requirements regarding everything from how a product is made to packaging to how it is disposed of once it is not longer useful. See the Buyer's Guide for more information on these programs.
• Buying green is just the first step. Proper maintenance and use of your green electronic features will help you make the most of your green purchase. Refer to the many useful tips in the Electronics Green Guide for more information on how to maximize energy savings with your electronic and computer equipment.

Taking it further

• Consider products that use renewable energy sources such as sun, wind, water or even human power. Using renewable energy, such as B.C.’s abundant hydroelectric power, significantly cuts down CO₂ emissions that contribute to global warming.
• Spread the word about buying green electronics to your family and friends. If more people bought green, the collective environmental benefits would be significant.

Television efficiency tips

For your current TV:

• Switch off the TV when no one is watching.  If the TV is left on and no one is watching; take advantage of the potential energy and costs.
•  Switch off the power bar.  Typically, a TV is plugged into a power bar along with other devices such as DVD players, VCRs or surround sound systems.  By switching the power bar off, you can conserve energy because your TV and associated devices won’t be drawing unnecessary power (this is also known as ‘phantom load’).
• Watch TV together.  It is common for homes to have multiple TVs and for them to be used by members of the household at the same time.  Conserve energy and increase your enjoyment by watching TV together.
• Watch less TV.  Instead of sitting on the couch watching TV, why not take the opportunity to read a book or go for a bike ride instead?
• Adjust your TV's settings.  Depending on the programming and your TV’s capabilities, you can adjust its settings to conserve energy.  For LCD TVs, reducing the level of backlight can reduce energy consumption.  For Plasma TVs, adjusting the contrast level can also result in energy savings.  Some models of TVs also have a ‘power-saver’ mode.  Enable this for even more energy savings.

When shopping for a new TV:

• Consider an ENERGY STAR® TV.  TVs with the ENERGY STAR® use about 30% less energy than standard units and are rated to consume 1 Watt or less when switched off.
• Size matters. When shopping for a TV, purchase one only as large as you require since larger TVs consume more energy. To determine the right TV size for your viewing area divide the distance between where you want to sit and the front of the screen by 2.5 (i.e. If you sit 7 feet (80 inches) from your TV choose a 32 inch HDTV). This guideline will help you get the most out of your TV viewing experience.

FAQ

Are green electronics more expensive?
No. If you consider the energy you save over the long term, green electronics and computers can actually save you money. Green electronics also typically have longer product life and higher resale value. There are also several rebate and incentive programs available to Canadian consumers who buy designated green electronics and computers.

Will I sacrifice quality of performance with green electronics?
No. Manufacturers are coming up with new and improved technology that incorporates green design features, including better longevity and durability.