Your Green Review

Green Computers Anyone?

It’s ubiquitous today, unlike a decade or so ago when it was a novelty to be seen with or own one. In this day and age though, a computer wouldn’t generate a second look, unless it’s Apple’s MacBook Air or Dell’s Adamo. I don’t deny that computers are extremely useful in all walks of life, but in a world that’s being forced to rethink its priorities because of global warming and environmental degradation, where do these electronic gadgets fit in? Are they eco-friendly? Can they be used in a way that does less harm to the environment? I can safely say that none of us are ever going to throw our notebooks or desktops into the trash can, so the best we can do is to use computers responsibly, by:

• Switching them off when they’re not being used: I’m guilty of it, and so are you probably – we leave our systems on all day and all night long, even though there are no programs running in the background. If you’re the absent-minded kind, use the optimum power settings on your system so that your computer is programmed to hibernate or sleep when it’s idle for a certain amount of time. As much as possible, shut it down overnight unless you’re running a download or something. If so, use applications that allow you to set a time for automatic shutdown once an event is over or in a specified time.
• Switch off peripherals: If you’ve got printers, fax machines and other gadgets hooked onto your system, switch them off when they’re not being used. Most of us do tend to leave our modems and routers on even when we’re not using the Internet, but it’s best to switch them off as a matter of routine when you’re putting your computer in the hibernate mode.

• Invest in notebook computers: Laptops, especially the newer ones that come with Energy Star ratings, use much less power than desktops. So you could try upgrading to a notebook computer if your budget permits. The smaller the system is (screen size), the better it is in terms of power consumption.
• Revamp your desktop: If you’re not inclined to use a laptop and prefer the familiarity of your desktop, consider investing in a flat screen monitor and make it a point to shut down or hibernate when you leave your workstation for extended periods of time.
• Dispose of your computer responsibly: Instead of just dumping your old computer once you buy a new one and creating toxic landfills, take advantage of recycling programs for your electronic goods. Most major companies have started such programs to ensure that the amount of toxic electronic waste generated annually is kept to a minimum. For example, Dell takes back any old computer even if you haven’t bought a new one from the company.

Saving the earth must be a high-end priority, now more than ever. And even the little things we do can have a great impact in making our world a friendlier place to live.

This post was contributed by Claire Webber, who writes about schools online. She welcomes your feedback at Claire.Webber1223 at gmail.com