Manufacturers can select materials and design the product so that it results in the least impact upon the environment, for example:

• Green Design
  Design equipment so that is more recyclable. For example, use a single plastic resin and label it so that recyclers can easily identify it and process it correctly. Use a minimal amount of fasteners and make them easy to take apart without having to use special tools.

• Recycled Materials
  Design the equipment using recycled materials such as recycled plastic, glass and metals.

• Nontoxic Materials
  Use low or no toxicity materials do not emit, contain, or produce chemicals that are hazardous to human health such as lead-free solder or switches that do not contain mercury.

• Conserve Resources
  Manufacturers can design products and adopt practices that require fewer resources. For example, computers can be designed to contain less lead, run on less electricity or use renewable energy such as solar power.

• Clean Production
  Cleaner production methods reduce air and water emissions and waste.

• Offer the Product as a Service (Product Leasing)
  Consumers may not be as interested in the owning a product as they are in getting the service the product offers. For example, consumers don't necessarily need to own the plastics and glass in a computer but they want the service the computer gives them - the ability to run software applications, access the internet, etc. Manufacturers can that lease their products to consumers and provide maintenance and upgrade services. Once the computer is past its useful life, manufacturers can take the computer back and have it refurbished or recycled.

• Product Takeback
  Manufacturers can takeback old TVs and computer equipment when the equipment can no longer be used. By taking products back, manufacturers can evaluate the product and make design changes to improve the performance of the product. They can also obtain materials for use in manufacturing new products and can refurbish parts for re-use. Since January 2009, manufacturers selling their computers, monitors and TVs in Washington and Oregon are required to finance and implement take back programs for these products.