Attitudes Toward Green Computing In The Us: Can They Change?

Computers today are an essential part of individuals’ lives all around the world; however, these tools are extremely toxic to the environment given the materials used, limited battery life and technological obsolescence. The US and the EU’s policies regarding this and other e-waste differ with greater support for the Basel Convention among Europeans. Although computer manufacturers are working to build “green” computers, a large part of limiting such hazardous wastes rests with consumers when purchasing them. Hence, the purpose of the study was to determine if information presented to consumers would influence their attitudes regarding green computing and purchases. A self-administered questionnaire was developed to determine consumers’ attitudes toward the environment, attitudes toward green computing, and demographic characteristics. It was hypothesized that there would be no differences in consumers’ attitudes before or after reading the information on computer toxicity. A convenience sample of students enrolled in marketing courses at a southwestern university, were surveyed. Results of Paired T-tests revealed significant differences for 13 of the 15 statements at the p < .05 level. Respondents mean scores increased significantly suggesting stronger agreement with the statements after reading the information. Implications were then discussed.