How to Green Your Computer

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Zsa_Zsa_Bacaling]Zsa Zsa Bacaling

What: While computers help us work faster and connect with people, they also use up a lot of energy and create waste. Did you know that majority of desktop computers are not optimized for energy efficiency? The energy used in producing and operating personal and workplace computers is huge. Did you know that corporate IT equipment alone uses billions of kilowatt-hours per year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. According to Greenpeace, million tons of computers and consumer-electronics waste are dumped in landfills each year in the U.S., and fewer than 12 percent of discarded computers are recycled!

Why: If you're the kind of person who spends the majority of your day sitting in front of the computer, you can make a few small changes toward reducing yo negative impact on the environment. Reducing the amount of energy your computer eats up every day won't only save you money on electricity bills; it will also reduce your carbon footprint.

How:
•    Save energy by shutting down your computer at night. You'll definitely save on electricity every year! The Department of Energy recommends shutting off your monitor if you aren't going to use it for more than 20 minutes, and the whole system if you're not going to use it for more than 2 hours.

•    Set the power settings of your computer for optimal energy use. Set your computer to put your monitor to sleep, spin down your hard drives, and put your computer to sleep when you're not using it. Also, turn off any peripheral when you're not using it-like your printer or monitor.

•    During usage, only have your screen as bright as you need it.

•    We know it can be pretty to look at, but try to avoid using an animated screensaver. It's a waste of energy! Set your saver to "none" or "blank" to lower your computer's carbon footprint.

•    To save ink and paper when you're printing from your browser, tweak the layout and remove ads and other images that you don't need on the printed page. Check out   rel=nofollow http://www.printgreener.com - to help you print only the pages you need. Also, to save money and your local landfill -- print 2-sides.

•    When you replace your computer or any of its parts, donate it rather than toss. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, e-waste is now the fastest growing aspect of the municipal waste stream. If a computer is less than 5 years old, it can probably be put to good use by someone else and as such can be donated to a charity or refurbisher.

TIP: If you're going to purchase a new computer, consider a notebook instead of desktop. These use under 50% less electricity!

Green Blossoms is a newly launched sustainable clothing company based in Los Angeles, California. Our clothes are made from bamboo, organic cotton and corn! We love helping women live green and healthy lives, and have fun doing it! You can visit our blog and view our products here http://www.greenblossoms.net

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Green-Your-Computer&id=4246924] How to Green Your Computer