LCD Monitors Far From Green?

By Dan Estabrook - July 10, 2008 (TNN) When LCD monitors and TVs became available, they were lauded as a "greener" alternative to energy inefficient CRT models of yesteryear. Recently, they have come under scrutiny for contributing nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) into the atmosphere, which was found by a recent study to have a global climate impact 17,000 times greater than that of CO2. Dubbed the "missing greenhouse gas," the research came far too late for NF3 for even the Kyoto Protocol to monitor it -- LCD devices came into the market after the protocol was negotiated in the late 1990s. With Americans switching to all-digital television early next year, the manufacturing of this chemical is expected to double in 2009 as many households replace traditional TVs with digital LCDs.  Energy Star maintains that LCDs utilize half to two-thirds the energy of traditional monitors, saving consumers money. The chemical affects the environment via emissions from LCD products.  According to Environmental News Network, the chemical can remain in the atmosphere for up to 550 years with no known force of nature that can remove it. Will this data drive LCD manufacturers to produce more green-friendly products?  This could happen, although it might prove expensive to produce a more eco-friendly monitor.  With companies attempting to attract many consumer "switchers" during the transition to digital television, and thus desiring lower entry pricing, it is unlikely that consumers will see greener pastures in the next year. With consumers willing to pay a premium for green products, though, companies could respond sooner with more alternatives for the consumer. Read more here.