TI's Education Technology (ET) division, which designs complex graphic calculators and other education-related products, is working to ensure that its products minimize environmental impacts as well. At every stage of the product life cycle, ET evaluates health and safety impacts. In fact, TI's first "green" calculator, made from 100 percent recycled plastic, is solar powered and uses recycled paper for the manuals.

ET products are designed and tested to meet applicable international product safety standards and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standards. TI has internal specifications that restrict the use of certain hazardous chemicals and compounds in ET products. All new materials used in ET products are tested during development and annual audits are conducted for ongoing compliance. In fact, some of our internal design standards are more stringent than international standards or regulations.

Currently, 96 percent of TI's ET products can be recycled, reused or recovered. The division also keeps packaging materials to a minimum and is monitoring the packaging industry, which is working diligently to find an alternative to the plastic we use. Finding a suitable alternative is challenging because we must balance environmental considerations with damage-free transport and the practical needs of retail stores.

In 2007, ET established a new Education Technology Product Stewardship Web site to provide customers with specific information about what the division is doing to be environmentally friendly.