Obviously you're going to hear more about the new Apple iPad than you probably want over the next few days. (OK, it's cool!) In the  middle of all the hysteria, we need to ask a simple question: How green is the iPad, really? Yes, we're seeing  more people moving to electronic devices instead of reading traditional print media. It's not a "zero sum game," both media have environmental footprints. And the environmental effects are as dependent on human behavior as on the technology. What about the device itself? In its newest products, Apple has phased out PVC plastic and brominated flame retardants. That's good. However batteries will have to be replaced and Apple has a take back program. To those who have to have the latest tech gizmo and toss the old one for the next great thing within months or a year; two thumbs down! If it isn't recycled, that means more e-waste. We've been through the pixels versus paper discussion over and over. Yes, paper is made of dead trees, but those trees are more and more often from sustainably managed forests. Of course, paper CAN be recycled easily. Much of the "gray energy" or embedded energy in an electronic gadget comes from the supply chain and manufacturing process. And we haven't even talked about the increasing power usage in the growing number and size of data centers. Read more detail about how eco-friendly Apple's tablet is. And if you buy one, keep it around for awhile!