GreenTech 101: RoHS Helps Reduce Hazardous Waste...

Every product that claims to be green seems to come with a half-dozen logos on the package to back up their eco-claims. But what do they all mean? Well don't worry, we're going to tell you.

Today we're focusing on the RoHS logo. RoHS is an abbreviation for the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, a European Union regulation more officially known as the "Directive on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment 2002/95/EC." (You can see why they use "RoHS.")

As part of a bigger strategy to reduce e-waste, RoHS regulations restrict the use of six hazardous materials -- including lead, mercury, cadmium, and two types of flame retardants -- in the manufacture of electronics and electrical equipment.

Devices affected by RoHS regulations include all manner of computing equipment, household appliances, telecommunications equipment (like cell phones), lamps and light bulbs, and even toys.

How this affects you:

Devices made by European companies, or made to be sold in the EU, must comply wiht RoHS regulations. That means they need to keep their levels of toxic chemicals to certain accepted minimums, although it does not guarantee that those substances will not be present at all. But devices that are compliant with RoHS regulations are more likely to be safer -- and easier to recycle -- in the long run.

So look for the RoHS logo or information on RoHS compliance. It will help you make the decision on which products are safer for the environment, and which ones are best to buy.