In its Guide to Greener Electronics, Greenpeace recently called out HP, Lenovo and Dell–the world’s biggest PC makers– for their silent retreat on their commitments to eliminate PVC plastic and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) from their products by the end of 2009.

According to Greenpeace, the latest public wake up call for the big three occurred on July 1, when activists returned ‘toxic laptops’ to the HP’s Chinese headquarters. This reminder is one of many that are keeping the pressure on the three companies as they attempt to skirt their commitment to greener PCs.

To provide a little background, “PVC contaminates humans and the environment throughout its lifecycle; during its production, use, and disposal it is the single most environmentally damaging of all plastics, and can form dioxin, a known carcinogen, when burned,” said the Greenpeace Web site. “BFRs are highly resistant to degradation in the environment and are able to bio-accumulate (build up in animals and humans) and can be released from products during use, leading to their presence in household dust and resulting in increased human exposure.”

Despite the facts, it is troubling that this is not the first time HP has tip-toed around their word. They made a similar resolution at the beginning of 2007, but by year-end were forced to postpone the announced transition until 2009. It now looks as though the nineteen-month buffer was not enough lag time to walk the walk.

Perhaps even more bewildering is the already proven recipe for success. Amid the hollow promises and irrefutable facts, the phasing out of the toxic substances has already been done… well. Apple’s new product lines have significantly cut down on PVC content and are entirely BFR-free.

Despite the proven transition (and Apple’s continued success), we are a little puzzled as to what the laggards are waiting for. I suppose what doesn’t have to be done today, can always be done tomorrow… add carcinogen free computers to the laundry list. It’ll get done… eventually.

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