Consumer Electronics Show Goes Green As Manufacturers Try To Catch Up

Environmental watchdog Greenpeace was in attendance last week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where they held a press conference to announce the results of the groups annual survey, "Green Electronics: The Search Continues."

The good news is that Greenpeace found that the electronic manufacturers are indeed using fewer plastic materials and more energy efficient LED screens. The bad news is that many manufacturers of electronic technology and gadgetry are woefully slow when it comes to using recycled materials, with most manufacturers not yet onboard when it comes to taking a more active role in recycling, especially when more consumer are clamoring for greener ways to tech-up.

In a recent survey, the Consumer Electronic Association found that 22% of consumers said they are willing to pay as much as 15% more for greener products, however some consumers seemed a bit confused about what actually constitutes a greener technology; 38% of those surveyed reported they were confused by the green label, while over half revealed they didnt quite know what the environmental attributes of high tech products were. This is because so many electronic manufacturers simply havent presented their consumers with many green options or enough options to get excited about.

It should be noted that this year the Consumer Electronic Show featured a green section known as the TechZone - an area which was specifically dedicated to energy efficient and sustainable technologies. The CES event should also be applauded for stepping up its efforts to provide green solutions, including:

Seventy-five percent of all food containers and utensils used by the Las Vegas Convention Center to serve CES attendees were reported to be fully biodegradable.

Recycled carpet was used throughout the Central Hall of the Convention Center.

All literature was printed on post-consumer recycled paper with soy ink.

Surplus food was to be donated to the Las Vegas Rescue Mission.

Light bulbs, batteries and electronics used by the show were to be recycled and diverted from landfills.

The CEA formed a partnership with Carbonfund.org to help reduce the carbon footprint of the event by offsetting approximately 20,000 tons of carbon and investing in a combination of certified renewable energy, reforestation and energy efficiency projects.

Organizers enabled those attending the event the opportunity to offset their airline travel.
So, while the CES has certainly taken a giant first step in doing its part to provide consumers with a more eco-friendly event environment, it seems many electronic manufacturers themselves are the ones who lack any substantial green solutions. There are a few however, who are finally starting to come around and delve into greener technologies:

Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies has developed a fuel cell power charger concept for cell phones, gaming devices and PDAs.

Z-Power is also getting onboard by designing a silver-zinc rechargeable to replace lithium-ion batteries.

Fijitsu has been selling laptops in Japan made of plastic casing which has been developed by corn mixed with petroleum.

Freeplay Energy has developed a solar powered radio.

While it may be true that consumers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly products and green gadgets, manufacturers must first pave the way so the rest of us can follow.