Identifying Greener Electronics

Introduction

Electronic products provide many benefits to our lives, from staying connected with family and friends at a distance, democratizing access to information and educational resources, unlocking creativity and spurring innovation, to enabling mobility. However, the manufacture, use, and disposal of electronics can negatively impact public health and the environment. This webpage provides some resources to help you choose a safer and greener option.

Sustainability Considerations

• Reduced climate impacts within the product supply chain
• Energy efficient 
• Reduction/elimination of environmentally sensitive materials
• Contains recycled content
• Designed for longevity, reuse, recyclability, and repair (e.g. battery replacement) 
• Extended product life, upgradeable
• Environmentally sound take-back and recycling options
• Reduced and/or recyclable packaging

Additional Resources

• The Global Electronics Council (GEC) manages the EPEAT ecolabel. EPEAT registered products meet environmental performance criteria that reduces the environmental impacts of the product across its life cycle.
  • The EPEAT Benefits Calculators assist organizations in estimating the cost and environmental benefits purchasing, using, and disposing EPEAT registered electronic products. The calculators help measure and report the benefits gained from purchasing electronic products covered by the EPEAT ecolabel. They also contain features for calculating environmental benefits from extending the life of a product, reuse, donation or recycling of the product at the end of life.   
• ENERGYSTAR qualified products. These products are energy efficient, helping users to save money. 
• GSA's Green Procurement Compilation (GPC) is a comprehensive green purchasing resource designed for federal contracting personnel and program managers.
  • This tool also offers basic sample solicitation/contract language to help buyers specify ENERGYSTAR certified, FEMP designated, and EPEAT registered products.
• Federal Print Management Template for shaping a print management policy, directive, memorandum, or guidance. 
• U.S. Government’s National Strategy for Electronics Stewardship, which provides a roadmap for how the federal government can use its authorities and leverage resources to improve the design of electronic products and enhance our management of used or discarded electronics.
• EPA’s Safer Choice Program’s Flame Retardants in Printed Circuit Boards Partnership.
• The State Electronics Challenge encourages state, tribal, regional, and local governments, including schools and other public entities, to responsibly manage office equipment.