Microsoft released the results of a comparative carbon footprint study which found significant environmental benefits to providing its software to consumers online. The study concluded that downloading Office 2007 avoided 8 times the amount of carbon emissions compared to producing and shipping a DVD and its associated packaging through traditional retail distribution channels,” revealed Francois Ajenstat. The study determined that carbon emissions avoided through online purchasing of 10 million copies is equivalent to: the electric consumption of 7,715 US households, or 13,008 passengers cars driven in one year, or 231 acres of avoided Amazon rainforest deforestation.

More info: Microsoft Go Green