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Computer Buying Guide for Earth-Conscious Consumers

Computer Buying Guide for Earth-Conscious Consumers

Posted by Team Recompute on 9th Feb 2021

There is a chance that your ordinary modern technology product isn't made from eco-friendly materials. It may also have a less than stellar track record with social responsibility. This doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice your values to own a laptop computer or smartphone. It means that you will need to dig a little deeper in your research for finding a new computer.

So, can you have a sustainable relationship with modern technology? Of course, you can! The right computer for you will be able to match up with your Earth-conscious preferences and still give you an excellent user experience.

Continue reading this computer buying guide for environmentally conscious consumers for more information.

Is the Product TCO Certified?

Your number one priority when it comes to choosing an earth-conscious product is to make sure that it meets all the right criteria. To become TCO certified, these eco-friendly criteria include:

  • socially responsible manufacturing
  • engagement in conflict mineral initiatives
  • worker's rights
  • extended product life
  • user ergonomics
  • reduction of hazardous materials

An ideal laptop for conscious consumers will have a good score in a few areas. This includes the reduction of toxic materials and conflict minerals policy. Electronics are known for being manufactured with materials that are toxic. This includes metals like lead and other contaminants like phthalates.

According to the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), conflict materials are those gathered from an area in Central Africa that doesn't have great working conditions. These raw materials are collected by forced labor.

The materials used in your ideal computer will not be made with conflict materials as a means to be deemed more socially responsible. Gathering materials from areas that care about worker's rights is possible and recommended.

You can determine if your ideal computer is a good match for you by viewing its EPEAT rating. Computers registered with the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool get rated as:

  • bronze (less than 50% of criteria met)
  • silver (between 50% and 74% of criteria met)
  • gold (between 75% and 100% of criteria met)

This is all dependent on the percentage of criteria that get met.

Are Refurbished Laptops Eco-Friendly & Socially Responsible?

A refurbished computer or one that comes to you secondhand might not always seem to be the more sustainable option, but keep in mind that by re-using an item that has already been manufactured you are potentially preventing the need to produce a new machine which places a further burden on our environment.

Recompute handles only the best quality brands and business-grade machines that are very durable. When you buy one of our refurbished computers, you will find that they're tested for quality. You are also encouraging sustainable shopping while being socially responsible.

Best Computers for Earth Conscious Consumers

Earth-conscious consumers can relax when it comes to purchasing a new computer. We're here to help you find the perfect computer system that helps you to leave less of a carbon footprint on the Earth.

Contact Recompute today with any questions that you may have about your next environmentally friendly purchase.