Green TV Buying: Santa's Guide

Kellee K. Sikes

Going Green Columnist

Why Buy Greener Televisions?

To preserve the planet, its atmosphere, and inhabitants, every green effort of conservation and preservation makes a difference.  If you are one of the 3.6 million analog TV owners contemplating a new TV before the conversion to digital on February 17, 2009, or you are shopping for a new TV, this guide is especially for you.

 Note: Recycling your old TV and buying the greenest TV will make a difference to your energy bill and the health of the planet.  The lead in your old TV is a hazardous waste contaminating soil and drinking water when thrown in a land fill.  To avoid this catastrophe and stay on Santa’s “Nice List” read below.

Green Televisions 

Sadly, most electronic companies are on Santa’s “Naughty List” for neglecting to factor in the environment. There are a few exceptions who have graduated to Santa’s “Neutral List” for their greener improvements:

* Apple’s new, greener, MacBook family http://www.apple.com/mac/green-notebooks/. (Let’s face it, most of us are watching TV on our computers these days.)

* Philips for steps forward in the creation of their new eco-friendly “Eco FlatTV” http://www.tomsguide.com/us/philips-eco-lcd,news-336.html.

Greener TV Concepts to know and look for 

·        Energy Star ratings: Power conservation is a significant consideration when purchasing a TV. In one year, power used by our estimated 275 million TVs in the United States could power all of the homes in the state of New York for one year.  Energy Star ratings can be confusing and misleading. Most TVs on the shelf today were rated under Energy Star version 2.0 ratings, evaluating energy consumption only when the TV was off.  This is a confounding fact when you consider TVs use the most energy when on. Some TVs hog as much energy as a refrigerator.  A few TVs on the shelf today are Energy Star version 3.0 (in effect November 2008) rated. Version 3.0 rates TV power consumption when the TV is off and on.   To see if the specific TV you are considering is Energy Star rated visit: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=TV and enter the TVs details. 

·        Plasma vs. LCD (liquid crystal displays): Over all LCDs typically consume less power than a plasma TV.  CNET provides a listing of 139 high definition TVs (HDTVs) based on average power consumption and annual power cost http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6475_7-6400401-3.html?tag=rb_content;rb_mtx.

·        RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Materials directive): The European Union put the RoHS directive into effect in 2006 aimed to reduce/remove the use of hazardous materials in the manufacture of electronic devices. Environmental and human hazards of lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, hexavalent chromium (CR6+), polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) are common in electronic devices. (PBB and PBDE are fire retardants often used in plastics, while Cr6+ is used in the production of many things including stainless steel.)

·        Unplug:  Unplug your set when it is not in use to reduce your electronic power consumption. 

Customer Specialist Tyson Jackson of the Brentwood, MO Best Buy shares some additional insider tips with Santa on TV buying:

·        Calibration: Jackson advises videophiles consider having their TVs calibrated by Best Buys’ technicians. “Calibration will bring out the best in your TV, adjusting the set to the light levels of your room and balancing the red, blues, and greens to allow the TV to run as cool as possible with the optimal picture for your room,” shared Jackson.

·        LED Backlight: Some TVs save energy through smart LED Backlight systems, only lighting areas of the screen when required by the picture.

·        Smart Antennas: Smart antennas boost signal reach to 360 degrees and should be considered in areas with a higher level of digital signal interference.  They can be used with new digital ready TVs as well as converter boxes on analog TVs.

·        Clean Power Supply: Electricity coming into your house experiences spikes potentially causing unnecessary humming noises as well as failures in your electronics when spikes are too high.  To improve the longevity of electronic devices, such as TVs, use a surge protector with the ability to regulate and clean the power supply. (Longer-lasting devices = less purchasing and waste for a smaller carbon footprint.)

·        Know the Facts: Research all types of TVs by features, including Energy Star ratings, online at http://www.bestbuy.com.

In the end, the greenest TVs will be at least Energy Star 3.0 certified, ROHS compliant, by a company with a Sustainability Policy.  Translation:

* Low power consumption when the TV is on and off.

* The use of lead, mercury, cadmium or arsenic, hexavalent chromium (Cr6+), polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) are none to minimal.

* Made with recycled and recyclable parts.

* Packed for shipping and manuals of minimal, post-consumer recycled materials.

* Manufacturer has a recycling program accepting your TV when it is no longer viable.

Clearly there is no “green winner” in the race for the most sustainable TV.  To be the most green and proactive e-mail TV manufactures to let them know you are not purchasing a new TV until they truly go green.

Kellee K. Sikes is a business strategist, writer, and speaker working with organizations focused on people, profits, and the planet (P3). Reach her at Pioneer Technologies Consulting, ksikes@pioneer-technologies.com or www.progressionary.com.