How to Run a Green Office

One step further: Buy a product registered by EPEAT, a database of desktops, laptops, and computer monitors that meet three levels (bronze, silver, and gold) of environmental performance criteria defined by the IEEE 1680 specification. Four of the 51 criteria address energy conservation (including Energy Star certification). Other criteria categories include reduction of toxic substances, use of recycled materials, and corporate policy. In June, HP announced the first product to meet the stringent EPEAT gold standard; HP says that this model, called the rp5700 Long Lifecycle Business Desktop PC, is Energy Star 4.0 certified, has a five-year life cycle, and is constructed with 95 percent recycled components.

You can also buy other equipment that uses fewer toxic materials and more recycled components. Many new electronics sold in the United States already meet the European Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS), a standard banning the general use of six hazardous substances including lead and mercury, and many manufacturers are committed to further reducing use of toxic substances. But finding products with large amounts of recycled materials is difficult, largely due to the low supply of nontoxic materials.

"Availability of materials is the biggest challenge," says Carl Eckersley, manager of product stewardship in HP's PC group. Finding consistent quantities of engineering-grade plastics that don't contain toxins such as brominated fire retardants is difficult, he says.

Recycling your old equipment is another important action to take. Companies such as California's Green Citizen will responsibly dismantle and recycle electronics for a fee (and for some products the service is free), while the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation has a program that will perform the same service for used rechargeable batteries at no cost.

While you're waiting to replace your more expensive equipment, you can reduce paper use by printing double-sided pages, and you can purchase refillable printer-ink cartridges. Small steps, but taken in large measure, they can lead to a cleaner planet.