subject: 10 Tips to Buy Green Computer Equipment and Prevent Global Warming [print this page] 10 Tips to Buy Green Computer Equipment and Prevent Global Warming
This is because laptops -
- Require 70% less energy than desktops
- Also generate lesser heat in comparison to desktops
- Using the 'hiberate' function in laptops is simpler than in desktops. Ergo, a hibernating laptop also consumes lesser power than desktops.
Tip #2 - SFF (Small Form Factor) Desktops Are Also Greener
Consider SFF (Small Form Factor) desktops if you cannot buy a laptop. These are manufactured by companies such as Apple and are smaller in size, consuming substantially lesser energy than larger sized desktops.
Tip #3 - Prevent Global Warming by Buying Energy Star Compliant Computer Equipment
Buy computer equipment that are complaint with the Energy Star program. This is an international standard given to PCs and laptops that are energy efficient. Ensure that any computer equipment you purchase are Energy Star compliant. Also, aim to buy any computer equipment that hogs lesser electricity.
Tip #4 - Buy LCD, not CRT Monitors
Buy an LCD monitor instead of a CRT. A flat screen LCD monitor consumes lesser space and is also roughly 50% more energy efficient in comparison to the old fashioned CRT monitors.
Tip #5 - Buy EPEAT Registered Computer Equipment
Computer equipment selected by EPA's Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) are more eco friendly because they contain less hazardous materials. The European Union has issued the RoHS - Restriction of Hazardous Substances and all equipment that is RoHS compliant use recyclable material.
So if we all purchase EPEAT registered PCs then we can help prevent global warming. We can eliminate 4 million pounds of hazardous waste over the next 5 years. We'll also help save more than 2 million megawatt of energy - that's required to power up about 2 million homes!
Tip #6 - Buy 80 plus PSU (Power Supply Units)
80 Plus PSU saves 80% more energy than regular ones. Such PSUs don't produce too much heat and therefore don't require a fan. This results a cleaner, greener PC which is also quieter and is more stable.
Tip #7 - Buy Multi Core Processors
Did you know that the Intel Core 2 Duo processors are 40% faster and 40% more energy efficient? Aim to buy such processors if you wish to use a green PC
Tip #8 - Buy Low End Video Cards to Prevent Global Warming
Fancy video cards hog more than 100 watts of electricity so opt for an integrated on-board graphics card.
Tip #9 - Buy a Green OS (Operating System)
Actually, most good OS will allow you to put your system on standby or on hibernate mode. This consumes lesser power than switching it on and off. So ensure that the software you buy is also green.
Tip #10 - Buy Green but Also Re-Use and Recycle
You can re-use your computer equipment instead if discarding them, for example, reuse old laptop keypads as keyboards if the laptop screen is on the blink. Rule of thumb is to use your laptop batteries as little as possible so that it lasts longer and need not be discarded frequently.
Also, visit forums likeGreen Questions and Answers to know more about this.
Prevent global warming by recycling as much as possible, for example, giveaway old monitors to charitable institutes or to the needy, etc.
Shradha Merchant is an expert ewriter (http://www.ewriters.in) who researches and writes custom articles about a variety of topics.
