Tree Hugging Family - Living Green

Eight Green Computer Tips

by Jennifer on July 28th, 2008

My modem busted three days ago. Sadness. I’ve been offline, and had plenty of time to think, let me tell you. Seriously though, I missed being online, it felt odd to go three days sans email and blogs.

Anyhow, I’ve got a nice new modem, and to celebrate my return to the lovely online world of blogs and more, I figured we’d look at some green computer tips.

1. Like anything else, only buy what you need. You can be excessive about computers, just like a house or car. I’m online all the time for work, so I do have a little bit bigger monitor, special tech add-ons, and a better than average processer. All of which create energy drains that someone who uses a computer infrequently shouldn’t have. Go for smaller systems if you can.
2. Turn that sucker off. Leaving your computer on all night is no good, and a waste of energy.
3. Recycle your computer items. Tossing them in the trash is terribly sinful - trust me, this stuff does not break down in your local landfill.
4. Buy used or recycled computer equipment like discs, paper, printers, and anything else you can find that’s not virgin new. You can even find refurbished or slightly used computers - bonus - you save $.
5. Research! Buy a computer with a good track record. You want your computer to last and last.
6. Don’t forget to recycle all that packaging from the computer and all related equipment.
7. In case you forget to turn off your computer, make sure you have all the power saving options set correctly. Such as, you want your computer to automatically turn off, or go to dark, when not used in a few minutes. These settings are usually under your control panel and then power options.
8. If it would work out for you, get a laptop computer, rather than a desktop. Laptops generally use less energy; up to 50% less in some cases.

You also might like: Avoid Recklessly Using the Printer

Share This

Related Stories

Keep a Greener KitchenEnergy Star ComputersGreener Birthday Tips & Contest Heads Up

POSTED IN: Recycle, Recycled Goods, Reduce, Reuse, Shop Green, Technology