Hewlett Packard recently proved it was possible to package a laptop computer effectively and safely with just a messenger bag as the “box.”
The HP Pavilion dv6929 Entertainment Notebook won the Wal-Mart Home Entertainment Design Challenge.
The computer features an “innovative design that reduces product packaging by 97 percent, conserving fuel and reducing CO2 emissions by removing the equivalent of one out of every four trucks previously needed to deliver the notebooks to Wal-Mart stores and Sam’s Club locations around the country.”
In its announcement, HP noted that not only was packaging replaced with the messenger bag, the bag itself is made of 100 percent recycled materials. This allows for a dramatic reduction in overall packaging content and size while delivering equal, if not better, product protection when compared to conventional packaging.
“Caring for the environment is a personal choice that is becoming increasingly important for our customers,” said Steven DeWitt, senior vice president, Personal Systems Group, HP. “We are honored that Walmart has not only recognized HP’s efforts to ensure that technology and environment enthusiasts have more sustainable choices available to them, but to also join them to help reduce our combined environmental impact from product development through delivery to the consumer.”
Wal-Mart’s Home Entertainment Design Challenge was open to all suppliers of consumer electronics products and three criteria were used to evaluate the submissions:

1. Great design that attracts consumers.
2. Product innovation that reduces the environmental impact for its product category.
3. Packaging design that facilitates reuse and recycling, reduces waste, and reduces or eliminates the use of toxic materials.

“This effort is an extension of our ongoing commitment to provide our shoppers with the best eco-friendly product offerings,” said Alex Cook, merchandise manager for Wal-Mart Home Entertainment. “We received many strong ideas from different suppliers, but the innovative packaging with this HP laptop really stood out, and we are thrilled to make this great product available to shoppers in Wal-Mart stores and Sam’s Club locations.” but to also join them to help reduce our combined environmental impact from product development through delivery to the consumer.”
Meanwhile Dell Computers is focusing on reducing carbon emissions and has stated that it met its carbon neutral goal ahead of schedule.
“We’re driving ‘green’ into every aspect of our global business,” said Dell Chairman and CEO Michael Dell. “This includes setting new standards for energy efficiency and green power, delivering environmental and cost savings for customers and aligning key growth priorities with our focus on preserving our shared Earth. Every company can join Dell and the ReGeneration in this long-term commitment.”
Since 2004, the company’s annual investment in green electricity from utility providers, including wind, solar and methane-gas capture, has grown from 12 million kWh to 116 million kWh, an increase of nearly 870 percent. Earlier this year, the company announced that its global headquarters campus is powered by 100 percent green energy.

The author Kim Leslie is a member of ” The Sustainability Writers Network” (TSWN). For more information please visit the TSWN discussion thread on SustainabilityForum.com.