While there’s no truly “green” flat screen TV—the item itself is an example of conspicuous consumption—some options are better than others. While any techie will tell you the most important spec to look for is a high contrast ratio, there are a few planetary considerations you should keep in mind when looking to upgrade your television set.

Instead of going for the biggest screen possible, try a more conservative size that requires less power. Contrary to conventional television wisdom, you don’t actually need a bigger set to get a better picture with a flat screen—in fact, the technology assures such clarity and accuracy that a huge screens becomes superfluous. Most companies offer 15" or 20" screens, and the sharp pictures will more than make up for the smaller size.

Make sure you look for LCD screens, which use light, rather than gas, to create an image, making them much less toxic than plasma screens. Also look for the Energy Star Approval—a small shooting star given to appliances that meet strict environmental guidelines set by the EPA and the Department of Energy. Energy Star products generally use 30% less energy than normal appliances.

Be wary of large electronic stores, where images are usually brighter and clearer than they will appear at home. In addition, it’s the salesperson’s prerogative to sell the largest, most expensive television, which will often times be the least environmentally friendly. As far as brands go, all the stores tout the Three S’s, Sony, Sharp, and Samsung as the best in terms of flat screen, all of which offer Energy Star certified products. For starters, a good flat screen is easier to recycle than your average bulky boob tube.

FLAT SCREEN TV CHEAT SHEET
	Sharp Aquos, 15" $579.99 The ideal "green" TV, albeit the most expensive. Not only does it offer amazingly clear and colorful images at a 500:1 contrast ratio, it’s also built in a factory that gets a third of its energy from solar power and recycles all its wastewater with a cutting edge purification system. Energy Star Approved. More information.
	Samsung LCD, 19" $479.99 Samsung offers the clearest image, with an 800:1 contrast ratio. This TV is considered by many to be the crème de la crème of flat screens, and luckily enough it is also Energy Star Approved. However, without the more pronounced environmental benefits of the Sharp Aquos, the price can be a deterrent. More information.
	Sony, 15" $450.00 If you want great pictures at a slightly more bearable price, Sony is a great buy. It has the same contrast ratio as the more expensive Sharp Aquos at 500: 1. Energy Star Approved. More information.
	Magnavox Flat Panel LCD, 15" $349.99 Magnavox, offers a flat screen with the same contrast ration as the Sharp and the Sony, 500:1, but at a bargain price. Energy Star Approved. More information.
	Phillips Flat TV, 15" $299.95 For the budget shopper, Phillips offers an energy efficient, though lower quality flat screen with a contrast ratio of 450:1. Energy Star Approved. More information.

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