Reducing Your HDTV's Carbon Footprint

Its nearly impossible to navigate all the conflicting information about which type of TV is better for the environment. Traditional tube televisions contain a vast array of toxic materials, the worst of which is lead. LCD & plasma TV's may also contain lead, but in far smaller quantities. Of course, LCD and plasma TV's burn about four times the amount of electricity that traditional tube TV's do. This back and forth could go on all day.

So what is a TV buyer to do?

First, do your research. Make sure you are buying the best television for your needs; nothing less, nothing more. If you choose a high-quality television of the most appropriate size, you will keep it longer and that means less consumption down the road. Many new plasma TV's can have a 30-year lifespan.

Second, make sure you dispose of your old TV properly. As I said earlier, televisions contain toxic materials. If you just dump your old TV in the garbage, it will leak that stuff into the air and into the groundwater supply. This site will help you find a local e-waste recycling center based on your zip code where you can drop your old TV set.

Third, attach all of your entertainment gear to a power strip (AKA surge protector) that has an off switch. ALWAYS turn off the strip when you aren't using your equipment. Sometimes an outlet in your wall is controlled by a light switch. You can always plug your stuff into that outlet to make turning your power strip off easier. This will greatly reduce your electricity usage, utility bill and carbon footprint.

The thing is, if you do nothing, and just buy a new LCD or plasma TV, you are actually increasing the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere rather than reducing it. During times like these, its imperative we find every way possible to use less energy, not more. Go buy the TV of your dreams, just take a few steps to offset the energy it is using.