Technology isn’t as immune to environmental issues as you may think. In fact, the average desktop computer wastes half of the energy that it takes in.
Recognising the impact that computing has on the environment is important, but combatting it is even more important. This is where green computing comes in.
But, what does “green computing” mean?
To learn about this term and how it could change your future with technology, keep reading. The benefits and impacts and too good to ignore.
What Does Green Computing Mean?
“Green computing” is a phrase that refers to the movement to make more environmentally-friendly technologies. If you’ve heard of Energy Star, you’ve heard of the green computing movement.
Green computing seeks to accomplish a few different objectives:
- Increase and improve the production of energy-efficient technologies
- Minimise the presence of harmful and hazardous products
- Encourage recycling of technologies and proper reuse of those recycles materials
- Design suitable algorithms to increase our technology’s efficiency
If you’ve seen or heard of Energy Star appliances, you’ve seen green computing in the works. These kinds of technologies help to reach the objectives of the green computing movement.
However, one of the biggest issues to tackle with green computing maybe its recycling goals. If you think about it, many people end up just throwing their computer away after it is done being used.
The resale value of old computers is low and no one will buy a completely beat up piece of technology. Because of this, computers end up going into landfill and taking up space there. Simple computer maintenance could help solve this problem.
How Can I Practice Green Computing?
There are many ways that you can practice green computing every day and save electricity. Try some of these methods:
- Use the “sleep” or “hibernate” mode on your laptop when you’re stepping away from your device for a small amount of time. Keep in mind that you will not lose whatever you’re working on when you do this.
- Invest in refurbished devices rather than automatically buying new technologies when your old laptop or desktop has reached its breaking point. Many companies sell refurbished devices for you to buy for much cheaper.
- Refill the printer cartridges that you already have rather than buying new printer cartridges.
- Don’t leave your computers on overnight. Turn them off before you go to bed.
- Invest in laptops over desktops. Laptops are more energy-efficient than desktops are.
- Take the time to plan for proper computer recycling. Research the best deals in your area for computer recycling.
- Use battery-saving modes that are available on your laptop and other devices to minimise your energy usage.
What Are the Benefits of Green Computing?
Green computing is loaded with many different benefits. The benefits of green computing are plenty and exciting.
From the impact of green computing on the Earth to the impact of green computing on your wallet, you’ll find that there is a variety of things to be excited about when it comes to this new approach to technology.
You Can Implement Earth-Friendly Tactics
One of the best benefits of green computing is the impact that it has on the Earth. When you’re practising green computing, you’ll find that you have a clearer conscience and a larger appreciation for the natural world.
Computing and other technologies are great, but it’s time that we shape the sector to be more Earth-friendly. This is following the practices of many other sectors and industries.
Implementing Earth-friendly tactics and practices is better for the environment, and you’ll feel better just knowing that.
You Can Save Money and Reduce Energy Usage
We mentioned that green computing can be expensive. This is true, but you do save some money in return for the money spent.
Using more green options for energy will lower your utility bills so that you’re spending less on things like power, water, and heat. The fewer resources you use, the less your bills will be.
It’s also important to note that investing in energy-efficient technologies can help you control your bill more. Many of these technologies have easy turn-off mechanisms or sleep settings so that you can spend even less money on utilities and waste less energy.
How Can You Reduce Your Carbon Footprint?
If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, there are a few practices you can follow to join the green computing movement.
Recall from earlier that we discussed that the average desktop computer wastes 50% of the energy it takes in. To avoid this, you should be looking for technologies that have the Energy Star sticker on them. This means that it only wastes up to 20% of the energy that it takes in.
In your daily technology usage, you should be sure to turn down the brightness of the computers you’re using. This lowers the amount of energy wasted. To go above and beyond, you could click on the “power saving mode” button that is likely located in the control panel of your device.
When it comes to printing, you should be printing on both sides of the paper and ensure that you’re using recycled printer paper. It’s also important to make sure that you’re recycling your paper and your ink cartridges after they’re done being used.
Lastly, it’s important to recycle your old computers. Don’t just throw these away. There are designated centres that know how to handle these devices and properly recycle them for you.
Who Can I Contact For Professional Technology Services?
So, what does green computing mean? Basically, it’s an environmentally-friendly approach to technology.
Green computing is a great trend that you should hop on sooner rather than later. You’ll find that your carbon footprint and your utility payments will shrink over time.
When it comes to general technical assistance, you can rely on Geeks on Wheels. You’ll love our environmentally-safe techniques and our variety of services.
From remote IT services to cybersecurity, our team can help with most technical issues. Feel free to contact us for all of your technical needs.