Helpful Computing Tips

Click on a tip to the left to view more information on that topic.

• Going Green

• E-mail

• Mobile Apps

• OS Power Management

• Recycling Computer Hardware

• Inkjet Printers

• Solid-State Storage

• GPS

• Environmental Ethics and IT

Going Green

Did you know that over 10 million tons of material was diverted from landfills last year alone as a result of recycling efforts? This success is largely due to voluntary participation of people across the country, who have made "reduce, reuse, and recycle" a personal commitment. This includes recycling old computers, cell phones, printers, and displays. Your participation in recycling means fewer one-use products, cleaner water, cleaner air. But recycling may someday pay off financially too. Many now see waste as a resource, and one that we shouldn't squander by filling up the garbage can instead of the recycling bin. Imagine a future where the garbage collector drops off a check for your contributions to going green.

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E-mail

Did you know that using e-mail is good for the environment? Writing letters and attaching files using e-mail reduce the amount of paper sent via postal mail. In addition, managing your financial and utilities accounts on the web is also healthy for the environment as it reduces the amount of paper bills you receive at home.

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Mobile Apps

Did you know that using mobile devices and apps can benefit the environment by reducing the production of paper? There are many apps that allow you to read electronic books and reference materials that would otherwise have been printed using a large amount of paper. Furthermore, many apps allow you to write digital notes so that you don't have to buy paper notebooks or notepads.

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OS Power Management

Did you know that some operating systems help protect the environment? Recent versions of Microsoft's Windows operating system have various power management features that reduce energy consumption. For example, Windows will dim your screen and put your computer in sleep mode after a certain amount of time. The Energy Star program from the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that these features can save you up to $50 in electricity costs per year, which in turn helps reduce carbon emissions that affect the environment.

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Recycling Computer Hardware

Have you ever wondered what you should do with your old computers, monitors, and mobile devices? The last thing you want to do is throw them away. First, consider donating them to various charitable organizations that work with local schools and low-income families. Otherwise, recycle them. Many computer retailers near you accept used devices and components for recycling, even if they are broken. Alternatively, visit the website of your local government to find the electronics recycling center nearest you.

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Inkjet Printers

Have you considered the environmental impact of using your inkjet printer? Whenever possible, don't print. Use e-mail attachments, and encourage your school to use web technologies that let students upload their schoolwork. If you must print, buy ink cartridges that are made with mostly recycled plastic. And when your ink runs out, bring the cartridge to a retailer that will make sure it is recycled. Many retailers often offer a discount on a new cartridge when you turn in an empty one.

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Solid-State Storage

Did you know that traditional, magnetic hard-disk storage requires more energy than solid-state storage? Unlike solid-state drives, which have no moving parts, hard drives have to rotate their magnetic disks in order to save or retrieve data. Fujitsu, which manufactures various storage devices, estimates that its high-end solid-state drives will consume 40 percent less power than comparable hard drives. For large data centers, this can result in a significant reduction in energy needs.

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GPS

Did you know that GPS technology might help protect the environment? Many cars and mobile devices now have GPS capabilities, and these tools can help save fuel by providing drivers with the shortest route to a destination. Most devices now provide real-time traffic avoidance data, which will reduce the carbon emissions and pollution of cars stuck in traffic. By finding the best routes and avoiding congested areas, you can maximize your fuel efficiency and help protect the environment.

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Environmental Ethics and IT

Do you feel that IT professionals have an ethical duty to consider the environmental impact of their actions? Many technology companies are already taking their responsibility to the environment very seriously. Some of them are "going green" and promoting their practices on their websites. Other companies are encouraging the recycling of their products to reduce the waste sent to landfills. A few are even competing to see which can develop the most energy-efficient products.

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