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Ways to Practice Green Computing

According to the definition in Wikipedia, Green Computing is the study and practice of using computing resources efficiently. Everyone of us has the environmental responsibility to conserve energy, reduce waste, use environmental friendly products, recycling, debate on global warming and practice the 3R concepts.

The technological systems are getting powerful, but a lot of energy is wasted and lost. Therefore, we must learn to use the computing resources efficiently and save the environment. There are some ways to reduce the power consumption and go for a “greener” environment as listed below.

1. Buy “Energy Star” labeled monitors, desktops, laptops, and printers. The “Energy Star” devices can be programmed to “power-down” to a low power state when they are not in use, helping you save energy and run cooler which helps them last even longer. The Energy Star specification for computers was revised and it includes new performance requirements to qualify for the Energy Star rating for desktop and notebook computers, workstations, integrated computers, desktop-derived servers and game consoles.
2. Put laptops in “sleep” mode when not in use. According to an estimation by EPA, this reduces their energy use by 60 to 70 percent - and ultimately could save enough electricity each year to power Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, cut electric bills by $2 billion, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by the equivalent of 5 million cars.
3. Turn OFF computers and other equipment when not in use. Despite the debate over whether it’s better for your computer to be left on or shut off, the fact is it’s better for the environment to shut it off. The computer can handle it just fine as they were designed to be turned off and back on!
4. E-cycle used computer equipment. Find a recycler in your area (US only). Staples, the office supply retailer, has now started a recycling program. They will accept any brands of used desktop and notebook computers, monitors, printers, fax machines and all-in-one devices with a fee of $10. Smaller items like keyboards, mice and speakers are free to drop off.
5. Buy the new “Smart Strip” power strip. The Smart Strip actually senses how much power your computer peripherals use. And when the Smart Strip senses that you’ve turned your computer off, it automatically shuts off your peripherals, too, preventing them from drawing an idle current, which is the current drawn even after equipment is shut off.

What are you waiting for? Just start to go green today and practice different ways to utilize your computing resources efficiently…Do it now and build a healthy environment to save the Earth! :-)