ONES AND ZEROES

Electronic goods are some of the heaviest resource wasters in the consumer market. About time someone gave the industry a slap.

It just so happens that the largest industry player have slapped themselves. From 2008 Wal-Mart "will ask electronics suppliers to fill out a scorecard that will assess the sustainability of their product". Nice work - for US consumers at least.

When the time comes to upgrade your old kit you'll know where to go. Having cornered the US organics market the big boys are to offer the eco pledge of hundreds of electronics companies under one roof. End of life disposal, packaging, durability, upgradability and energy efficiency will all be addressed.

The British National Consumer Council have also hit out at electronics and energy efficiency this week. They propose a system similar to the EnergyStar ratings for washers and fridges. The NCC report advocates better consumer information - it can be downloaded here.