Environmentally Sustainable Computers: The Green Office
I've written about this before, and will probably write about it again. As a heavy computer user and also an environmentalist, keeping my home office green is a challenge very close to my heart. A computer is inherently not very environmentally friendly. Computers a power hungry, they contain toxic chemicals, and they have zero resale value.
Yet, computers are an unavoidable presence in modern life. There are now non-profit programs designed to deliver cheap computers to third world countries. It is unlikely that computers will disappear from our society. So our burden is to find the best way to use, reuse, and conserve while using our computers.
The following suggestions are heavily adapted from a source by Dell computers.
Purchasing a computer system
- Buy a computer which will be easily upgradeable when you need something more. Most computers today can easily be upgraded - adding a new processor, new RAM, or replacing everything in the case. When it comes time for a new computer, don't jump into looking for a whole PC - think about what parts you might want to upgrade individually! Warning: if your computer is suffering from problems caused by malware (viruses, spyware, or adware) or other malfunctions, an upgrade may not solve your problem.
- Buy refurbished products. Still want to buy a new computer? Well, it doesn't have to be completely new. Many factory-refurbished computers are indistinguishable from an otherwise brand-new machine.
- Look for Energy Star compliant labels when selecting new monitors or other computer equipment. These devices have been certified to use energy more efficiently than other comparable equipment.
Get the Most out of your Computer
- Turn your computer off. Have you heard those rumors that turning a computer on and off can damage the computer? Myth. How about the myth that computers use more energy starting up than left running? Also a myth.
- Use power management. Most computers available today come with power management features which will automatically reduce power use when you're not actively using your computer. It is understood that being gone for 30 minutes does not need to require a full shut down!
- NO SCREEN SAVERS. Once upon a time, screen savers served the purpose of saving the life span of early monitors. However, the monitors which required this are almost non-existent today. Screen savers merely waste energy by keeping your monitor and video card active.
- Print carefully. Think through whether you REALLY need to print that document. Can you do your editing on the computer? Print your drafts on the clean side of your last draft? You can purchase recycled toner cartridges, recycled paper, and other environmentally friendly supplies for printing.
Take Responsibility for your Computer
- Donate your old computers. It may be too old for you, but many non-profits have very limited budgets - they can put it to use for years to come.
- Reuse components. If you can reuse your monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other accessories - do it!
- Recycle the computer. Many computer manufacturers now offer recycling programs for old computers. NEVER throw your old computer into the garbage!
Hopefully, these tips will make it a little easier for people to manage their computers in an environmentally friendly fashion, planning for the future.
Updated by Joe Dolson on 24 August, 2009
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