The Brighter Planet Blog

First thing I thought of when I heard the lightning-bolt news that Dell is partnering with Brighter Planet on our #earthtweet campaign was Michael Dell’s keynote speech at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show. On one of the biggest stages you’ll find in the tech industry, Mr. Dell committed his company to electronics recycling and other environmental measures in a big way. I was impressed — in our extremely fast-moving times it’s easy to forget that his words spurred an effort that put Dell in front of the pack among computer manufacturers and encouraged other companies to follow suit. There remain many tough problems to solve in order to reduce the cradle-to-cradle footprint of the tech tools we depend on, but Dell’s efforts have helped the industry get off to a good start. And two years after its founder’s speech, the company continues to create new, planet-friendly ways of doing business — and provide guides and community spaces where Dell customers can learn from the company’s experiences.

That’s one reason we’re so pleased to announce this partnership. Another is, well, simply that the prize Dell is offering up to a lucky winner, is just … awesome.

Here’s the deal: from now until 5P ET on 4/22, send in technology-related #earthtweet tips — tell us how you’re running your company’s network more efficiently, or what gadget-crazed travelers can do to keep energy use down, or what the positive impact of a family’s recycling old electronics can be. Or any other unique tips you may have that will help consumers and businesses save energy and reduce their environmental footprint.

And on April 23, we’ll work with Dell’s experts to pick a winning #earthtweet, and announce it via Twitter. Its author shall receive an Energy Star compliant Dell Studio 15 laptop, with a mercury-free WLED display. It even comes in Spring Green! Have a look at the official contest rules, or head on over to Dell’s Facebook page to ask questions and otherwise talk to Dell’s people about it.

It’s a great machine; we’re a bit chagrined that WE can’t enter this contest. Ah well — sometimes one must make sacrifices for the cause.

Keep tweeting all your tips, high-tech or not. We have lots of great prizes to give away before Earth Day — and we feel confident that twitterfolk will be using the #earthtweet tag to share info with each other long into the future. Stay tuned to @earthtweet, @brighterplanet, and Dell’s @reGeneration on Twitter for updates and useful info. And good luck to those vying for Dell’s very generously donated prize!

p.s. — Michael Dell’s appearance at CES 2007 is still worth watching; see video below: