Is that a poisonous PC you're viewing this on?

Energy efficient computer systems and components are generally regarded as a good step to toward environmentally sound IT operations.  But isn't it a bit disingenuous to label it green if that gear is packed with materials that are ecologically dangerous?

That's just one of issues equipment makers, and now, CIO's, are grappling with.  You'll be happy to know that some firms like Fujitsu are already changing the way they manufacture computers.  The result, according to Tech News World, is a new, earth-friendlier line of PCs.

Some green computing missionaries have evangelized about helping the environment with safer materials. Fujitsu Latest News about Fujitsu is one example. The computer maker developed a corn computer line in Japan.

As part of its corn initiative, Fujitsu engineers took a soup-to-nuts approach to finding more environmentally safe products to make computer parts. A major focus of their research focused on corn oil and other corn-based polymers. The research included efforts with using castor beans and other alloy starches. Other materials are not biodegradable.

"Those efforts three years ago produced a computer system made from 100 percent non-petroleum content. Corn-based polymers are readily available in Japan but not in the U.S. So economically, we are not able to introduce that green line in the U.S.," Richard McCormack, senior vice president of marketing at Fujitsu Computer Systems, told TechNewsWorld.

"Corny" computers, clever!