InLCA: Eco-Labling and Purchasing

Abstract

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1065/lca2004.09.180.1

Goal, Scope and Background. Waste associated with the manufacture,use, and disposal of electronic products, or e-waste, is agrowing threat to the environment. IT procurement professionalscan have a positive affect against that threat through carefulconsideration of the environmental awareness of their vendors.

Method. Consideration of three case studies from the City ofSeattle illustrates the challenges in gathering information fromvendors on their environmentally sustainable practices; the reasonsthat this information is important; and possible solutions.

Conclusions and Recommendations. We owe it to ourselves, ourplanet and our progeny to encourage sustainable practices inelectronics manufacturing, use and recycling. This paper suggestssome beginning steps that purchasers of electronics cantake toward that end.