While the idea of greening a computer may seem far fetched, the top computer manufacturers are doing just that. From low-waste packaging to mercury-free displays to long-life batteries and more, the green improvements keep coming.

It is estimated that there are 148 million laptop computers in use in the United States. Add to that the millions of traditional desktop computers and the total number is staggering. If each of those used just 10% less electricity, the overall financial savings would be fairly large, but the reduction in CO2 emissions would be huge.

Perhaps the greenest new computer feature is the reduction of power demand. By developing batteries that charge faster and last longer in laptops, the demand for electrical power is reduced. Desktop computers are also being designed to require less electricity.

The broader use of back-lit screens is reducing the use of mercury in the screen manufacturing process. Mercury ends up in landfills and water ways when retired computer screens or displays are improperly disposed of. Most major computer manufacturers offer recycling programs for retired equipment.

Packaging plays a major role in our environmental footprint. Some computer manufacturers have abandoned the use of Styrofoam in packaging and replaced it with renewable or reusable packaging, such as HP’s padded messenger bag.

Laptop Magazine tested 16 new laptop computers to determine which ones are the greenest. The test units were separated into four (4) categories: Netbook, Ultra-Portable, All-Purpose Notebook and Desktop Replacement. Manufacturers submitted their choice of model for this testing and review. The best of the greenest, according to Laptop Magazine are:

• Netbook Category - Sony VAIO P
  • Featuring an 8” LED display and weighing 1.4 pounds.
• Ultra-Portable Category - Toshiba Portege R600
  • Employs a 512 GB SSD and uses up to 50% less power.
• All-Purpose Notebook - Lenovo ThinkPad T400
  • Offers a unique 9-cell battery and a superior power management system.
• Desktop Replacement - Toshiba Satellite A355
  • Mercury-free displays and advanced power management place Toshiba on this list twice.

Toshiba is perhaps doing the most to advance green practices in the computer industry. All suppliers must undergo an extensive environmental performance survey. This 22-point survey helps determine which suppliers qualify to sell to Toshiba, making them a leader in implementing environmentally responsible manufacturing and packaging practices. Supporting those companies on the cutting-edge of change will help support the global effort to reduce waste and pollution.