he easiest and most common sense way of going green is by saving energy. Obviously, all of our computing equipment requires energy. So, what things can you do to minimize your energy consumption:
- Shut down your PC when you are not using it. Obviously, there is a debate on whether this is good for your hardware or not, but speaking strictly from the viewpoint of saving energy, it is obvious that a computer that is off requires less energy than one that is running. Duh.
- Use an LCD monitor rather than a CRT. Most of us are probably using LCDs today anyway, but if you are using a CRT, consider switching. LCDs use less energy than CRTs. You can easily tell simply from the amount of heat a CRT produces.
- Use computer hardware that is Energy Star 4.0 compliant. The 4.0 standard is current as of July and places new limits on the amount of energy the hardware can use when asleep. It also requires 80% efficiency in the internal power supply.
- Use the power management settings on your computer to shut hardware down when not in use. For example, have it put your monitor to sleep when not in use. A monitor which is asleep (but still on) uses much less energy than one displaying a picture. Screen savers make absolutely no difference.
- You can buy computers built from recycled components. This doesn’t mean you’re using old hardware - just that they used the material of old hardware to make brand new stuff. Cans and bottles aren’t the only thing that is recyclable.
- Likewise, buy computers that are devoid of toxic materials such as lead and mercury.
- Rather than throwing away old computer equipment, recycle it.
- Use refillable inkjet cartridges on your printer.
- Use a "smart" power strip which detects whether the computer is running and, if not, will shut down all other peripherals attached to the strip.
- Use a pre-built computer. Most computers built by vendors run cooler and quieter than custom built PCs. Many custom built PCs, for example, use fans that are not exactly matched to the processor and/or run at full speed all the time. This makes the custom built PC typically louder than normal. A PC manufacturer, on the other hand, usually couples parts quite well and their computers usually run quite well. It is a matter of preference, of course. There are benefits to building your own PC, however just realize that it isn’t exactly the "green" way to go.
- If building your own, don’t overclock. I know this goes up against the usual gamer mentality to seek as much speed as possible. But, overclocked processors require more energy and produce more heat.
Your computer can also help you safeguard the environment in other ways:
- Get your news online. If you are a news junkie, you can get your news faster and easier online anyway. But, by not getting your local newspaper, you are saving a tree somewhere.
- Pay your bills online. Less paper.
- Buy gifts online. Not only is it convenient, but it saves the energy of driving your car all over town.
- Promote stay-at-home, virtual employees and virtual assistants. Not only is it very often a workable business model to allow employees to work from home, but it saves all the gas of driving to work.
Is This All Necessary?
Personally, I am not your classic tree hugger. I do think there is global warming, however I most certainly question the fact that human beings are the cause of it. I think the core of the environmental movement is made up of people who, consciencely or unconsciously, think human beings are the scourge of the earth and that we should all just die and go away. They say enough that makes sense that it gets a lot of good, honest people onboard. So, facts are not always facts when it comes to "going green". There is an awful lot of falsehood paraded around as facts, all with an air of inevitability.
That said, let’s just use common sense. I know nobody who is anti-environment. I like to breathe. I like the fact that the sky is blue. So, simply coming from the world of technology, I see the above items as things that can be done in our own lives to help out. Its easy and, in our own personal ways, it is a way to help take responsibility for an important issue. While you’re at it, you’ll likely save some money.
Picked points from:http://www.pcmech.com/article/going-green-with-your-pc/
