Please can you tell me what is the most environmentally/ethically friendly laptop? I want a portable model (as opposed to desktop replacement) with a 15-inch screen for word processing, photos, watching DVDs and an easy connection to internet. I have about £500 to spend.
Sarah Garcia, by email
It would be nice to think that when people walk into computer shops and ask the standard questions about cost, performance and features that they would also preface them with your first line of enquiry. Beyond the introduction of ever-tightening regulations, consumer pressure is the only way that the computer industry is going to be persuaded to clean up its act on both environmental issues as well as worker rights.
Organisations such as Greenpeace and Ethical Consumer magazine have been banging this particular drum for years. And, most usefully for the average consumer, they both publish handy scorecards rating the various computer manufacturers in relationship to these issues. For example, back in July, Greenpeace published its 12th Guide to Greener Electronics. The guide "ranks the 18 top manufacturers of personal computers, mobile phones, TVs and games consoles according to their policies on toxic chemicals, recycling and climate change". In terms of laptop manufacturers, companies such as Samsung, Sony Ericsson scored comparatively highly next to their rivals, whereas Fujitsu and HP were placed near the bottom of the class.
Meanwhile – and somewhat contradicting Greenpeace's conclusions – when Ethical Consumer magazine last rated laptops and notebook via its Ethiscore system in May 2008, it ranked Sony, Fujitsu Siemens and Samsung as the three worst companies, and Aries, Evesham (since closed after financial difficulties) and Viglen as the best. Viglen is currently selling its Dossier L60 Notebook, with a DVD drive, for £363 ex VAT. It not only looked at environmental factors such as the "hazardous substances and processes" used to make the computers, but also at the reputation of each company when it comes to issues such as worker rights and promotion of recyclability.
But the magazine added an important caveat (which is also pointed out in some of the comments below):
Perhaps the most ethical thing you can do before buying a new computer is to ask whether or not you need one … If you require new software to be installed, check what specifications will be needed to run the program, or use similar software which has lower requirements. Research if you can upgrade the machine you already have. Ask yourself if it is really essential to buy a brand new computer with the latest cutting-edge technology just to email, use eBay, and write-up that report which is now overdue? As an alternative, consider buying a 'second user' computer. (Visit the page to see a list of suppliers.)
When considering energy efficiency alone, the Energy Saving Trust currently only recommends one laptop – the RM Mobile One. The machine is largely aimed at the schools market and is therefore very rugged and robust in its design, but the company is currently offering its most basic model for £569. A model with an internal DVD drive costs a bit more.
But maybe a netbook would best suit your admittedly limited needs? You might need to forego the DVD player, though, as very few netbooks seem to include one as standard. (This is what largely distinguishes a netbook from a laptop, but you could buy an external USB DVD drive as an extra.) Netbooks are far smaller than laptops and, therefore, tend to use less energy. In July, Samsung announced that its "N120 ultralight netbook" was the "first in the world to achieve the leading environmental and usability standard, TCO Certified". It seems to be priced in the £300-£350 region at the moment when you look online at the various price comparison sites.
Not wishing to see this turn into yet another Mac v PC debate, I wonder: what are you own thoughts and experiences? Do you have any tips or recommendations for Sarah?
Here's what Leo wrote when asking for your help on 11 September:
Thanks for the question, Sarah. I will endeavour to tackle it next week. It sounds like you are seeking an energy-efficient netbook from a company that has a good record when it comes to issues such as e-waste and worker rights.
If anyone has any advance thoughts or tips on the subject, please do email me, or post your comments below.
