Environmental concerns, impinging on all aspects of electronics and electrical engineering, have been transformed from an afterthought or a reaction to government legislation to an integral part of the design process. Many companies are developing databases that help design engineers make environmentally benign choices of one process over another. Significant numbers of new products are being designed to use recycled plastics and environmentally friendly materials. "Sleep" modes, which reduce the energy consumption of products when they are not in use, are common. Environmental issues are also being integrated into long-term business strategies and R&D efforts. >