Companies or individuals looking to buy "green PCs" can go online to find the most environmentally friendly computers. The "EPEAT" database is funded by the EPA and managed by the Green Electronics Councilof Portland, OR.

The rating system includes 23 required characteristics and 28 optional criteria including:

· reduction and elimination of environmentally sensitive materials, · materials selection and packaging, · design for the end of usefulness and extending the life of a computer, · energy conservation, · disposal management, and · corporate performance

Computers are rated as bronze, silver or gold rated, and the database, which was made public today, includes computers from HP and Dell. Obtaining this certification should increase the resale value of the computers as well as make it easier for companies to recycle and/or dispose of the computers when they become obsolete.

The EPA also has an "eCycling" program to encourage recycling of computers."

Since states are becoming more stringent in their rules about computer disposal, it makes sense to stay ahead of the curve now rather than take a hit in a few years when it is time to buy new PCs. Computers are becoming easier to take about and salvage so that parts can be reused, but look for continuing work in that area.

Hopefully this EPEAT branding will catch on (even if a more consumer-friendly name is needed).