Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Green Computing

Green computing is the study and practice of using computing resources efficiently. The primary objective of such a program is to account for the triple bottom line, an expanded spectrum of values and criteria for measuring organizational (and societal) success. The goals are similar to green chemistry; reduce the use of hazardous materials, maximize energy efficiency during the product's lifetime, and promote recyclability or biodegradability of defunct products and factory waste. -- From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Coulter's Computer Consulting has always practiced and encouraged green computing. So, what can one do to reduce energy consumption and reduce the amount of computer hardware that ends up in a landfill? Here are some tips:

1. Most importantly, power off the computer and all peripherals during extended periods of inactivity. The common misconception that a computer’s life is shortened by turning it on and off has caused some people and businesses to leave computers running all the time. Many are reluctant to switch their computers on and off during their workday despite only using this equipment for a fraction of that time. The fact is that shutting down and restarting your computer will keep it running smoothly and optimize performance because the physical memory is fully released each time you shut down completely and turn on again. Try to do computer-related tasks during contiguous, intensive blocks of time, leaving hardware off at other times. Desktop computers are designed to protect the internal circuitry from power damage from on/off switching. Turning PC equipment off at night, or on and off a few times a day will not affect its life span. In fact, quite the opposite, because electronic equipment life span is based on operating hours and heat...both of these are reduced when equipment is switched off. 

2. Power-up and power-down energy intensive peripherals such as laser printers according to need. Some printers can remain off until you send a print job. This is a feature built into the software as well as the hardware.

3. Use liquid-crystal-display (LCD) rather than cathode-ray-tube (CRT) monitors.

4. Use the power-management features to turn off hard drives and displays after several minutes of inactivity.  We recommend 10 minutes for the monitor and 30 minutes for the hard drive.

5. Minimize the use of paper and properly recycle waste paper. Only print when necessary, and print on both sides of the paper. When printing from the web, preview your print job first because often the first or last page can be excluded from the job. Reuse the blank side of waste paper whenever possible.

6. Turn off screen savers. They may look cool, but they waste energy by keeping your hard disk and CPU active, plus they are no longer needed to protect modern monitors. A screen saver that displays moving images causes your monitor to consume as much as electricity as it does when in active use. These screen saver programs also involve system interaction with your CPU that results in additional energy consumption. 

7. Shop for "Energy Star" compliant computer equipment. Thanks to the U.S. Environment Protection Agency (EPA), personal computer systems and parts purchased today can be easy on energy, so look for that "Energy Star" logo. Efficiency gains can be achieved without any sacrifice in performance.

There are theories that it is better to use a laptop than a desktop because it uses less power. While this is basically true, notebook computers have much shorter lifespans than desktop computers so that they end up in a landfill much sooner. Also, with apparently equal specifications, a laptop will take longer to complete the same tasks as a desktop, and may not be able to complete some of the same tasks as an equivalent desktop or tower machine. We at Coulter's Computer Consulting recommend that notebook and netbook computers be used only as a supplement to a desktop or tower system for the purpose of demonstrations, presentations and travel.

You can take a giant step toward environmentally responsible or “green” computing by conserving energy with your computer. But green computing involves other important steps as well. These steps pertain to toner cartridges, disposal of old computer equipment and purchasing vs. upgrading decisions when considering new computer equipment.

Environmentally responsible computer use implies not buying new equipment unless there is a demonstrated need. Thus, before buying new equipment, consider the following questions:

Do you really need a new computer or printer? Can you meet your needs (with less expense and environmental damage) by upgrading existing equipment? The chances are you can! 

Coulter's Computer Consulting can perform inexpensive hardware upgrades and hardware and software tune-ups that will immediately improve the performance of your existing equipment. If you do need new equipment, Coulter's can guide you to buy efficient and green components.

We suggest the following: 


  1. Buy monitors only as large as you really need. A 17-inch LCD monitor uses less energy than a 19-inch one in active mode. 
  2. Select the newer LED flat panel monitors over the older LCD flat panels and you could save up to 35% on energy usage.
  3. Buy ink jet printers instead of laser printers when possible. These use 80 to 90 percent less energy than laser printers and print quality can be excellent. 
  4. Network and share printers instead of buying a printer for each computer in your home or office.
  5. Avoid software and operating system upgrades that will in turn cause the need for hardware upgrades in order to run efficiently. Check the optimum (not the minimum) system requirements before purchasing software.


If it is determined that you must replace your computer equipment, what should you do with the old stuff? If it is still usable, there are basically 3 ways to pass it on. Give it to a friend or relative, sell it on eBay or Craig's List, or donate it to a non-profit and get a tax deduction. Some legitimate concerns about donating or selling have to do with the private information that may be present on the drive of a donated computer. Be advised that most computer recycling organizations are equipped to fully erase the hard drives before reusing it for someone else. Always ask before donating, if they are vague about it, you will have to erase your data yourself or donate elsewhere. Here are some ideas for local area secure not-for profit recycling centers:

Rockland PC Renew or Westchester PC Renew will refurbish and pass on equipment to needy families or organizations.

Also try the Cristina Foundation where they can match donor and recipient almost anywhere in the country.

Goodwill Industries' general policy is to accept any computer equipment or parts, but recommends checking with your local store before donating.  

You may drop off old cell phones, rechargeable batteries, and ink-jet cartridges at the free recycling kiosks located just inside the door of every US Best Buy store

All Staples office supply stores offer in-store collection bins where consumers can drop-off cell phones, PDAs, chargers, other handheld electronics, and ink and toner cartridges for recycling. The even offer rewards or rebates for some eligible ink or toner cartridges.