Corporations in the consumer electronics industry are beginning to seek a competitive edge by going green. Although some of the products available at Seneca Electronics Online are from companies that are just beginning to deal with this issue (Nintendo, for example), the progress that Apple has made on this front in recent years demonstrates the extent to which consumer pressure can have a positive impact. Hence the importance of consumer education and engagement.

Online resources that can provide you with info about how to find greener gadgets include the Greenpeace Guide to Greener Electronics and the EPEAT rankings of the eco-friendliness and efficiency of PCs and printers.

Greenguard certifiies electronics with low air-polluting emissions. The Energy Star standard on product packages indicates equipment that is energy efficient, and the 80-Plus logo signals efficient power supplies.

Lithium-ion and nickel metal hydride (NIMH) are preferable to alkaline batteries. Rechargeables are a greener option than disposables, which should be recycled. Portable solar chargers and battery rechargers are available and can keep iPods and other electronic gear operating off the grid. USBCell batteries plug into a computer's USB port to recharge.

Electronics waste

More than 3 million tons of e-waste end up in landfills each year, according to the EPA. If electronics aren't properly disposed of, the thousands of toxic chemicals used to make them can cause dangerous pollution and harm people's health.

The good news is that most electronic components can now be reused, recycled, and diverted from the waste stream. About 90 percent of computer contents, for example, can be reused or recycled. You can help by donating or recycling your electronic items, spreading the news about e-waste recycling and reuse options, and encouraging your community and companies you do business with to expand responsible electronics waste recycling programs. This map provides information about electronics recycling firms that operate under strict environmental controls and follow worker safety protections. Consumer Reports also has a good guide.

For more details, see Elsa Wenzel's "How to Green Your Life" at CNET.com and myGreenElectronics, a web site that provides lots of information about corporate recycling programs, many of which are free and convenient. Among participating companies are Apple, Nokia, Motorola, Panasonic, Sony, and Toshiba. 

In addition, the U.S. Postal Service has launched a "free and green" recycling program to help consumers responsibly dispose of their old small electronics and inkjet cartridges. Clover Technologies Group, a company that remanufacturers and remarkets the products, has agreed to cover the cost of the postage fees. The initial phase of the program will begin in 10 areas around the country involving 1,500 Post Office locations, including Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. If successful, it will be expanded this fall.