Or does it?

Green was definitely a big theme at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show this past January. Almost every major manufacturer devoted a portion of its press conference to environmental issues.

“Green” products and practices were prominently displayed at many booths.

From all of this marketing, one might assume that the consumer electronics industry has transformed itself into a model of environmental stewardship overnight. But has it?
 
Clearly, this is an important question, one that an increasing number of consumers are asking. A recent CEA survey entitled “Going Green” found that 89 percent of households want their next television to be more energy efficient, and 53 percent would be willing to pay some type of premium for televisions with green attributes.

However, the report also suggests that confusion exists as to what makes a truly green product. Beyond Energy Star, few clear-cut certifications exist, and consumers seem to crave a tangible guideline.

Have no fear. Greenpeace is on the job. The environmental watchdog group made its presence known at this year’s show, even holding its own press conference to discuss our industry’s major environmental issues (like e-waste) and to release the second edition of its “Green Electronics: the search continues…” report.

This report evaluates and ranks specific products based on four main criteria: use of hazardous chemicals, energy efficiency, product lifecycle (including recycling) and special innovations and manufacturing issues. Product categories include televisions, computer monitors, mobile phones, PDAs/smart phones, desktop computers and notebook computers.

In general, Greenpeace has found that CE products are improving in all of the major categories, but they still have a ways to go before being truly green. Most tend to excel in one or two areas but not in all four. The highest-scoring product in the survey, Lenovo’s L2440x Wide monitor, only earned 6.9 out of 10. The highest scoring television was Sharp’s LC-52GX5; it scored just 5.92 and isn’t available in the United States.

The report does have its limitations.

For one, submissions are voluntary, and only 15 major brands participated. At least the list includes big names like LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Sony and Toshiba.

Notably absent (i.e., they declined) are Apple, Microsoft, Palm and Philips. Also, the list is heavy on small electronics and computer products and light on the higher-end A/V products we cover. (To read the complete “Green Electronics: the search continues…” study, go to the Reports section at Greenpeace.org.)

One Greenpeace CES blogger called attention to a new website that could also prove useful to the eco-minded shopper. Greenzer.com profiles eco-friendly products in multiple categories, from electronics to home and garden.

Many products receive a firm Greenzer Score, which the company says is determined through “an algorithm that leverages ratings and certifications from third-party groups” like Energy Star, Green Guard and more.

We may never have one all-encompassing stamp of approval for eco-friendly electronics, but at least we’re seeing more attempts to objectively quantify “green” for the consumer who wishes to shop smart and the electronics manufacturer who really wants to release an environmentally friendly product.