Standard keyboards, mice, computer monitors and other computer peripherals are inherently environmentally unfriendly.  Most often times they contain lead, mercury and other hazardous materials. A computer monitor may have up to 10 pounds of lead and other heavy metals, which are considered toxic to humans.

At end-of-life these computer peripherals typically find their way to landfills where these toxic and dangerous substances may leak into the groundwater and eventually enter the food chain. Man & Machine, Inc., the leading manufacturer of hygienic waterproof keyboards, mice and other computer devices, just announced a sustainability program to minimize the impact these products have on humans and the environment.
Waterproof keyboards seem to be more eco-friendly then a standard keyboard because a typical keyboard needs to be replaced when exposed to infectious diseases like swine flu, MRSA or norovirus. The microbes get inside the keyboard but the keyboard cannot be disinfected.  Waterproof is going one step further by introducing the first eco-friendly initiative in this industry.

Here is how they will be vamping up their eco-consciousness:

All products may be returned to the company at the end-of-life, at no charge, and can be recycled. They claim they will never use anti-microbial additives in any of their products and that they are the only major company in the industry not utilizing these potentially environmentally dangerous additives. They will adhere to RoHS, (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive), standards that restrict the use of certain environmental hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment as well as a whole host of other eco implementations. I think it’s a great step forward in the electronic department to ensure a cleaner future with less electronic waste.