Computers account for a staggering number of electronic devices currently used around the globe. Whether in the workforce, at home, or in schools, computers have become omnipresent – and this is only the beginning. Over the course of the next few years, the ratio of computers to people is going to skyrocket, leading to a big problem: energy consumption.
Computers have become a necessity that most people can’t live without. As such, we are only going to become more and more dependent on their use. With this power comes a responsibility to find ways to reduce energy use and proactively search for ways to go green while using our computers.
Fortunately, recent innovation has given birth to the idea of green computing. This revolutionary study is paving the way for a safer, less pervasive computer. While still in its infancy, there is certainly hope on the horizon.
As you will learn in this guide to green computing, we have the potential to positively change the way we use computers. Let’s start with taking a closer look at just what exactly green computing entails and exactly how you can go green.
What is green computing?
Green computing is the study and application of computing that is environmentally sustainable. This in itself has huge implications for how we use our computers in our day to day living. The practice of green computing involves reducing our environmental footprint caused by our use of technology.
Let’s pause for a moment to observe these implications and what they entail in relation to green computing.
For starters, green use is anything that involves our use of resources that actively works to reduce our use of hazardous materials. You may be surprised to learn this, but all computers contain some form of hazardous materials.
Whether in the batteries or monitor, green computing aims to reduce these materials; or at least find new ways to produce computer parts that are less hazardous. Also related to green computing is green design. This ties back to green use to a degree, as it involves the call to manufacturers to find ways to design their products and services so that they better comply with our environment.
It’s a bold step, to be sure. But one that could make a huge difference in how computers and electronic devices are forever manufactured.
Green disposal is the act of proactively recycling e-waste so that it has as little impact on the environment as humanly possible. Again, it would be a massive move in the right direction if we could master this aspect of green computing.
So far, our results are limited, but we are getting better and better at finding ways to limit the damage caused to the earth when we recycle electronic components.
Green manufacturing pretty much ties all the previous aspects together. This involves companies, brands, and manufacturers to find new ways to develop their goods so that as little impact is evident. By reducing or even eliminating hazardous materials in the development of their products, we would see a huge reduction in harmful effects caused by computing.
Why green computing?
As it stands, most consumers simply aren’t concerned with the impact their electronics have on the environment. Thankfully, most companies worth their salt are going to trudge along to find new ways to reinvent their products in a better manner; one that doesn’t harm the environment. We’re still a long ways off, but the thought of green computing is exciting, to say the least.
A great by-product of this development is that our electronics are sure to reach a technological breakthrough, unlike anything we have ever seen to date. And with that will no doubt come new, revolutionary products. Products that consumers won’t be able to wait to get their hands on.
With that said, we can now look at how businesses and brands can benefit greatly by implementing green computing.
Environmental effects
Studies have shown that there is a staggering amount of CO2 and e-waste generated each year from computer use. The amount of total hazardous waste is astonishing, proving without a doubt that the vegetation on the planet is going to suffer and ultimately die out.
Energy consumption
Make no mistake, our computers and all of those around the world impact the planet in a big way. Data centers alone were shown to account for more than 1 percent of the world’s total energy use.
When you factor in every single active computer being used around the globe, it’s clear that we’re on the fast track to major trouble ahead. If something isn’t done sooner rather than later, we’re only going to see compounding effects worldwide.
Electronic waste
Consumers upgrade and replace electronics at an alarming rate. More often than not, it isn’t out of necessity, but out of wanting to have the latest and greatest gadget. Unfortunately, we live in a society that tells us we have to keep up with the next person by constantly having the newest electronic device, gizmo, and gadget.
When we talk about e-waste, that includes us throwing our old cell phones, laptops, TVs, appliances, and more. The frequency in which we throw out perfectly good working electronics is amazing. On average, 50 million tons of e-waste is made each and every year. Around 15 to 20 percent of that e-waste is ultimately recycled.
The remaining 20% goes into landfills. While it is good to see some recycling taking place, it isn’t nearly enough to make an impact on the total damaging effects that e-waste produces every year. With that being said, the more people who become aware of the effects of his type of senseless waste, the better chance our planet will have of improving over time.
Now that you have a general understanding of what green computing consists of let’s look at some ways that you can start implementing green computing practices in your life. These are great tips for both the average computer user and large businesses.
How to start implementing green computing
Use data center efficiency. This has to do with the electronic configuration of data centers, as well as air management and heat recovery. The idea is to implement green computing to where it greatly reduces energy consumption.
Today’s data center design includes electricity generation that occurs on-site, as well as recycling waste heat.
Buy energy star. We’ve all seen energy star labels on various electronic products. When you see this label, it is referring to a product that is energy efficient. The stars that make up the label indicate its level of efficiency. The more stars, the more efficient the electronic device is.
This is one of the easiest ways consumers can directly make an impact on the planet in a positive light. It’s easy to solely purchase products that bear this label since they are quite literally everywhere we shop; on products of all makes and models, and of all shapes and sizes.
With those pointers out of the way, let’s move on to some basic computer use that can make a difference and employ green computing. Whether at home or on the job, we can all start implementing these tips for greener computer use.
Basic computer tips
You should always enable your PC’s power management option when you don’t require its full gamut of features. Understandably, some programs and applications need all of your PC’s resources to perform properly.
But when it isn’t necessary to do so, be sure to activate this setting to help do your part in green computing. This will effectively limit the amount of power that your laptop or PC uses, keeping energy consumption at the very minimum.
Make sure you turn off your computer when you aren’t using it. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m bad about leaving my laptop on around the clock.
If you’re a small business owner, you might think you need to leave your computers running at all times. But in reality, they will likely perform better throughout the day when given time to rest.
But by starting to implement these practices here and there, you will have effectively made a difference. It’s the first step to making green computing a natural, daily habit.
It’s understandable that some cases call for us to leave our PCs on at all times. When this is a necessity, be sure to activate its sleep mode instead of letting it sit idle.
Turn off your monitor when it is not in use. Depending on the type of monitor you use, you may use more or less energy than the next person.
But regardless of what kind you have, it’s important to remember not to leave it running around the clock. And speaking of monitors, if at all possible, choose to buy LED models instead of LCD ones.
Make sure that the power supply you are using is energy efficient. By practicing all or one of these tips will go a long way in making a difference. Imagine if everyone who read this guide started implementing just one of these steps.
Now imagine if the same number of people all told someone else how they could start practicing green computing. An even better way to spread awareness would be to send them a link to this guide so that they can study it themselves.
It would help them gain a better understanding of just how important green computing really is. Not just to the planet and the plant-life on it. But to humans, as well.
Obviously, there is going to be a huge price to pay if we damage our vegetation beyond repair. We need to act now if we want to stand a fighting chance of making a change for the better. The more people we can collectively get on board, the better it will be for our planet.
Let’s move on to the next major factor that needs to be addressed, E-waste recycling. This is a big deal that companies need to really step up if we want to see a better environment.
E-Waste recycling
E-waste recycling is when we reuse those thrown-out electronics mentioned earlier in the guide. If we could start finding people or places that could make use of our old electronics instead of pitching them, we could greatly reduce e-waste.
The amount of good, usable electronics and appliances that are simply thrown away is horrifying. There are countless people who could make great use of the things we consider to refuse. Imagine the many people who aren’t as blessed as we are that would love to have a new laptop or smartphone.
Just because we see it as obsolete doesn’t mean that it actually is. There are many non-profit organizations that would be thrilled to get new operating equipment. That old computer that we feel is useless could provide all the operating power a small start-up needs.
Always consider your options before you toss your stuff. You might be surprised how many people would be willing to take it off of your hands.
Now I’d like to touch on the one glaring omission you have likely been wondering about since you began reading this guide: telecommunications. It makes up such a huge part of our daily lives, so you know it’s going to play a role in energy consumption around the world.
Telecommunication
Think about the impact telecommunication has just in the United States alone. We use telecommunications for nearly everything in our lives, from leisurely communication with friends and family to staying in touch with our co-workers and clients.
And with the recent challenging times we’ve all been faced with, we’re now relying on our mobile devices more than ever before. With more companies trying to do their best to implement green computing, we’re seeing a major shift in how these products are produced.
The irony of this implementation is that telecommunications are used to help shape green computing among tech giants. There are so many advantages to using these technologies, as newer products are designed to help us lower costs at the office and at home.
Benefits of green computing
Green computing can help sustain the environment. Green computing ensures major productivity and diversity among manufacturers due to its ability to reduce the largely negative impact on standard processes. This is possible through not only green use, but also design, e-waste disposal, and ultimately, green manufacturing.
We’re looking at not just environmental sustainability, but social sustainability too. In addition, economic sustainability is going to see a huge bump as it relates to the survival of the human race.
Green computing provides better resource management. Green computing is an excellent way to use our resources as they relate to computers, heat, office space, light, electrical power, and data centers. This helps to ensure that the environment is better off in the long run.
Green computing can help you save money. Since green computing utilizes resources more efficiently, operational costs will see significant savings in how products are made. This also impacts their development in a positive way.
Green computing has a great reputation among businesses. Green computing is a great way for businesses and corporations to improve their image among the public. Obviously, this can only help to increase their bottom line, which is the one of the main goals of any business.
Issues with the green movement
Green computing is certainly the future, but there are sure to be barriers to the green computing movement. For instance, think about the pushback from consumers to recycle their old computers based solely on privacy concerns.
Green computing is also for everyone, not just big businesses. We should all work together to get this movement in full gear for the betterment of our planet, and our lives. We have to think about our children and future generations.
What kind of planet do we want to leave them with? When we start thinking in those terms, we are more likely to step it up with the green computing movement.
FAQ
Why is green computing important? In short, green computing is the study and application of reducing energy use among computers and electronics. The more we can make this information known to everyone, the sooner we can start implementing green computing on a global scale.
As we have seen, there are dangerous effects in relation to how much energy our computers and electronic devices use on a daily basis. When you factor this into each year, and then into each decade, the results are staggering.
With green computing, we stand a chance at maintaining a safer earth for future generations.
What is the biggest issue with technology and the environment? The biggest issue regarding technology and the environment is resource depletion, which refers to the use of a resource before it can be restored.
How can I start practicing green computing? You can easily start making a difference with green computing. We can start right now by implementing the easy steps mentioned earlier in the guide. To ensure that everyone knows what those are, I’ll repeat the important tips below.
Try to make sure you always enable your PC’s power management option when you don’t require all of its features. Some programs and applications need all of your PC’s resources to perform properly. But when it isn’t necessary, be sure to activate this setting to help do your part in green computing.
Make sure you turn off your computer when you aren’t using it. By starting to implement these practices here and there, you will have effectively made a difference. It’s the first step to making green computing a natural, daily habit.
It’s understandable that some cases call for us to leave our PCs on at all times. When this is a necessity, be sure to activate its sleep mode instead of letting it sit idle.
Another big one that readily relates to the previous tip is to turn off your monitor when it is not in use. And speaking of monitors, if at all possible, choose to buy LED models instead of LCD ones.
And finally, make sure that the power supply you are using is energy efficient. By practicing all or one of these tips will go a long way in making a difference. Imagine if everyone who read this guide started implementing just one of these steps.
What does data center efficient mean in regards to green computing? This has to do with the electronic configuration of data centers, as well as air management and heat recovery. The idea is to implement green computing to where it greatly reduces energy consumption.
Today’s data center design includes electricity generation that occurs on-site, as well as recycling waste heat.
What are energy star label products? When you see this label, it means that the product is energy efficient. The stars on the label indicate its level of efficiency. More stars mean the product is more energy-efficient.
This is perhaps the easiest way we can make an impact, since it’s easy to purchase products with the Energy Star label. They are everywhere we look, so you can’t miss them when shopping for your next favorite gadget.
What are the three goals of green computing? The three goals of green computing are to recycle material and increase the lifespan of a product, manage and conserve power, and choose eco-friendly hardware and software. Combined, these help provide a brighter, healthier future for our planet.
When did the term green computing come about? In 1992, the U.S environmental protection agency launched the Energy Star program, which gave birth to the term “green computing.”
How does green computing negatively affect the environment? Green computing can negatively affect the environment in a myriad of ways. A major issue is pollution and over-consuming resources, especially non-renewable resources.
Another issue is waste, which can end up in landfills and disrupt the environment by leaking poisonous materials into the soil, water, and other surrounding areas. This can then end up in our resources and cause issues in our own bodies.
Is technotrash and e-waste the same thing? Yes, technotrash and e-waste are interchangeable terms that essentially refer to the same thing: trash from an unwanted or broken electronic device. It’s actually the fastest growing type of waste on the planet.
Why shouldn’t you throw computers and electronics in a regular garbage? You shouldn’t mix technotrash with regular trash because then they will end up in the same landfill. Because electronics contain toxic metals, these can leech into the ground where they infect our water and soil.
This can cause a whole host of unwanted health issues, such as cancer. Over time, they may even lead to premature death.
How can technology help the environment? Technology can help the environment in a few different ways. For starters, it can help us develop green technologies to reduce the carbon footprint and help combat global warming. Technology can reduce our use of resources, like paper, and exchange it for eco-friendly alternatives like email.
Technology has also allowed for worldwide communication, letting experts rapidly share their knowledge and expertise. This information highway has led to more and more breakthroughs faster than we have ever thought possible.
Lastly, technology has given us the tools to monitor and alter our actions in an environment so we can help create a healthier planet, without giving up our computers and electronics.
What is one of the most important things that you should do before throwing out your computer? Before throwing out your computer, you should first clean your hard drive. This ensures that no sensitive information gets into the hands of the wrong people.
You may also want to consider donating your computer to the less fortunate, or selling it for parts to reduce the overall waste and carbon footprint.
Recap
As you can see, we are in danger of harming ourselves and our planet by the sheer number of computers we use on a daily basis. By spreading the word and practicing healthy green computer habits, we can get a jump start on shaping our planet for the better.
Companies around the world are starting to take notice of these effects, and are doing their part to practice green computing.
The great part about all of this is that it will likely pave the way for new and exciting innovations, the likes of which we have never dreamed of having. With a little help from everyone, the future of green technology may be nearer than you think.