Buy Smart
Making sustainable choices when making technology purchases is a great way to get started with sustainable computing practices in your area. Here are a few tips for buying smart:
We recommend:
- EPEAT-rated computers
- Use the EPEAT system to help evaluate, compare and select electronic products based on their environmental attributes. EPEAT-rated computers must be designated ENERGY STAR.
- Search the EPEAT registry to find green equipment.
- Calculate the environmental benefits of purchasing EPEAT-rated computers.
- Laptop computers
- Most laptops are more energy-efficient than desktop models.
- Smart power strips made for computers and peripherals
- 100% Recycled-content paper
- Calculate the benefits of better paper choices.
- Recycled paper is available through M-marketsite.
When you do your electronic purchasing, keep these things in mind:
- Right size your purchases
Reserve the super-powered equipment for those with super-powered needs.
- A computer that no longer meets the needs of one user is a great option for another. Establish a rotation cycle to put retired but still good computers into use in less demanding scenarios.
- To find secondhand computers that may meet your needs, contact departments that regularly replace their computers.
- Purchase with the lifecycle of the computer in mind
- Buy equipment calculated to last 4-5 years.
- Order green electronics through U-M Purchasing
- Identify computer models that are EPEAT-rated by searching the EPEAT registry.
- Go to Wolverine Access and choose M-Marketsite under Faculty & Staff to purchase.