The Greenest TV

With the jump from analog to digital television, many of us are taking the opportunity to get a new boob tube or two. But here’s the bad news: despite its clunky design, that old CRT television is more energy efficient than any snazzy plasma or LCD flat screen. Worse, both LCD and plasma TVs contain substantial amounts of the dangerous chemical nitrogen trifluoride, a greenhouse gas that can persist in the atmosphere for up to 550 years.

CRTs are old technology, so hardly anyone makes them anymore. That being the case, your greenest alternative is to hang onto that old CRT television as long as possible. When it finally gives up the ghost, we recommend that you choose an LCD television over a plasma version. Size-for-size, LCD TVs use a tad less energy than plasma screen models, as long as you stick to a screen size smaller than 17 inches. They’re also lighter on the hazardous chemicals than plasma TVs.

Whatever type of flat-screen TV you buy the next time you’re in the market, be sure to look for an EnergyStar label so you can be sure you’re getting the greenest model possible. And remember, the smaller the screen size, the less energy it uses both in active and standby modes.