Get the EPEAT on Your Wooden Laptop
Written by Urban Sherp on August 29th, 2008
I have been in the market for a new laptop and ideally would like to find the greenest model out there. You know one that is Energy Star rated, made of recycled or sustainable materials, can be recycled, refurbished, easy to upgrade, long lasting materials and battery, etc. And that’s when I stumbled upon the Wood Shell prototype by Fujitsu Limited…..a laptop shrouded in wood instead of plastic!! So incredibly cool. The shell is made of a thinned cedar and bio-based plastics are used for the housing and parts. Alas doesn’t look like this will go into production anytime soon……….
On a side note, when shopping for a laptop or a PC, be sure to check out the EPEAT rating (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool). EPEAT is very comprehensive and strict rating system implemented by the GEC (Green Electronics Council) that analyzes criteria across eight categories including Reduction/Elimination of Environmentally Sensitive Materials, Material Selection, Design for End of Life, Product Longevity/ Life Cycle Extension, Energy Conservation, End of Life Management, Corporate Performance and Packaging. To find out if your PC or laptop of choice has qualified for a bronze, silver or gold rating go to EPEAT.com, and if it hasn’t – keep looking!
