Panasonic has become the first plasma TV manufacturer in the US market to feature lead-free plasma display panels.

Leveraging a new technology that eliminates the need for lead oxide glass, the electronics giant reports that they have been able to remove all of the roughly 70 grams of lead that go into the manufacture of a typical 37" screen. Spread across their production line, the new screens will result in the worldwide reduction of close to 300 metric tons of lead – the approximate weight of two 747 commercial airliners - each year.

The announcement was praised by The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), with their senior scientist, Noah Horowitz, stating “NRDC is very supportive of Panasonic’s longstanding record of consistently delivering some of the most environmentally friendly products in the market. Panasonic’s leadership in this area is noteworthy and we challenge the rest of the TV industry to implement similar improvements to their products.”

For those purchasing a flat screen monitor this Christmas, check out Panasonic's product line and pick up a copy of An Inconvenient Truth as a first watch.