The Coming of Green Computers

Introduced on Earth Day 1993, by an epic cast of characters including Vice President Al Gore, the concept is simple: Computer equipment capable of going into and energy-saving “sleep” mode when sitting idle earns itself an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “Energy Star.” Since last April, what was a novelty corner’s worth of hibernation- capable desktop PCs and printers has swelled to a storeful. Nearly 300 computer, monitor, printer, peripheral and software manufacturers—including all the most well-known and influential companies like Apple, Canon, Compaq, Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), Hewlett-Packard and IBM—have embraced the concept. Over 75 companies are already offering products, in many cases entire lines of them.