This is a good, if slightly old (2003) source of information i used when writing my thesis on computers impact on the environment.
Please embed long links... thanks. the management
Here are some of the interesting facts I leant from this book and my other research:
Traditional thinking that LCD monitors have less impact on the environment than CRT is slightly deceiving. The manufacturing costs of LCD in terms of energy and water is considerably higher than CRT monitors. The difference means that even though an LCD monitor uses a lot less power in operation than a CRT it will take around three years of use to breakeven.
Due to the higher powered backlights on LCD TV's, CRT's of around 28" to 32" actually use less power than there LCD counterparts by around 20-30w.
At the disposal end, LCD use mercury in there backlights and like other electrical some are still use lead in solder although the lead glass in CRTâ€™s is more hazardous because it is used in higher quantities.
Other interesting facts include it can take 32Kg of raw materials (Water, fossil fuels, chemicals) to produce a single 2g chip!
Good luck on your quest for knowledge, I found it to be a very interesting topic. It certainly makes you think â€˜do I really need that nice new gadget?â€™