Whether you agree with Greenpeace on their politics or their actions, or not, the Green Electronics Guide (PDF 1.2 MB) does provide some food for thought when considering the purchase of a new phone, computer or TV. The Greenpeace website notes:

First launched in August 2006, the Guide ranks the leaders of the mobile phone, computer, TV and games console markets according to their policies and practices on toxic chemicals, recycling and energy. Since June 2008, the Guide has ranked companies on five climate and energy criteria. In this current edition we're focusing on climate leadership - not only because the global climate needs it but because electronics firms have a big role to play in the low-carbon economy of the future. Of the 18 market-leading companies included in the Guide, only Sharp, Fujitsu Siemens and Philips show full support for the necessary cuts of 30 percent for industrial nations by 2020. Only HP and Philips have made commitments to make substantial cuts in their own emissions. All the other companies in the Guide make vague or essentially meaningless statements about global emissions reductions and have no plans to make absolute emissions cuts themselves. With the need for deep emission cuts becoming ever more urgent it's vital big companies support a global deal and take effective measures now to reduce their overall emissions.

Where does the information come from?

This Guide ranks leading mobile and PC manufacturers on their global policies and practices on eliminating harmful chemicals and on taking responsibility for their products once they are discarded by consumers. Companies are ranked on information that is publicly available and clarifications and communications with the companies.