A Greener PC

Green is in, as well it should be. Consequently, most PC manufacturers are working to make their products greener, which is greener than they used to be, but not as green as they could be. Still, they're doing enough that you can make some green decisions when you're ready to buy one. Peruse the PC companies' websites for green information. If you can't find the information, ask or prod them for it. Here are some of the things to look for:

• Do they use low power consumption components in their PCs? Compare their components and energy efficiency to their competitors.
• Are they reducing or eliminating toxic metals and chemicals such as PVCs, arsenic, and mercury? They should be.
• Are they reducing or eliminating petroleum-based plastics in their cases and components? They could be.
• Do they participate in clean recycling programs? Or do their old PCs end up polluting dump sites?
• Have they reduced the packaging they pack their PCs in? If so, by how much?
• Do they use recycled materials in their products and packaging? What and how much?

It's worth noting that PCs, like virtually all other electronics products, burn energy and pollute before you ever turn them on. How? Most, if not all, PCs and their components are manufactured halfway around the world in Asia. Long distance shipping burns copious amounts of energy and introduces harmful noise and exhaust pollutants into the sea. As yet, however, it isn't possible to apply the admonition "buy local" to PCs here in the U.S.

A Greener You

By making the right decisions in the ways you use your PC and peripherals, you can both use less energy and pollute less. Here are some examples:

• Buying a new PC is, almost invariably, a way to increase energy efficiency as processors and components are getting more efficient each year.
• On the other hand, using your current PC for another year or two saves a lot of new raw materials, packaging and shipping.
• Regulate your power usage. When you step away from your computer, put it to sleep. When you're done for the day, shut it down.
• Adjust your power settings. Notebook PCs and some desktop PCs let you set your power settings for higher energy efficiency.
• To power everything down, including power converters, connect your PC printer, scanner, external drive and modem to a power bar, and switch off the power bar at the end of the day. Not only will you cut your energy usage, you'll cut your electric bill.
• Download software. When you purchase software online, download it. You'll eliminate the retail package and save the energy used to make and ship it.
• Recycle everything. From your PC to your printer cartridges, everything is recyclable. Some PC companies recycle their products. Printer companies and retailers recycle printer cartridges. And today, most refuse companies include electronics products and batteries in their recycling programs. A quick search online will reveal where and how to recycle your PC and peripherals.
• Try our Green PC Service where our experts optimize your power management settings based on how you use your computer.

Online is Green, Are You?

Do more online. Everything that you can accomplish on your PC that keeps you out of your car uses less energy. Shop, bank, invest, read the news and more. Doing it online is good for the environment. And, of course, it saves a lot of time that you can use for a long walk or bike ride in your favorite green park.

Related Links

Green PC Service
Green PCs Secure the World